The Australian Team Sets a New Benchmark as Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.

It's a challenge for the Australian squad to break new ground.

The greatest achievements have already been conquered.

This is the team that has won seven Cricket World Cups, along with six more T20 titles, and once went 1,294 days undefeated in 50-over cricket.

The secondary achievements, those for the peak baggers, are the only things left for a squad that has won it all.

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That it took up to Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to complete their first ODI chase exceeding 300, taking back their record for the highest in the women's 50-over format, is, in truth, a compliment to the bowling attack that have represented Australia over the last half-century.

It is hard for their hitters to hold a record if never given the chance.

In the end, the result of Australia conceding 330 was leader Alyssa Healy getting an opportunity to produce her latest masterpiece.

Initially recognized as the teenage relative of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her nation couldn't capture either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups held the previous year and has witnessed all through 15 successful years since.

A T20 championship victory arrived three months after her bow and seven international trophies have come from 10 efforts across formats.

The gritty keeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India momentarily interrupted the run of success.

That loss "drove us to rethink our standards," Healy commented earlier.

At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the final and was awarded tournament MVP. She made sure her country would not come up short.

Whether this latest epic knock surpassed that earlier display is debatable.

Many contend the case for the pressure of a final. Others can counter with the test that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.

What is certain is this hundred was much more difficult to anticipate.

The Christchurch destruction in 2022 occurred when she topped the run-scoring charts, but this innings followed six innings in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had failed to pass 30.

"If you've been watching me in the nets, it's been a disappointing period because it appeared my form was missing whatsoever," commented Healy.

"But once you enter the playing area, your competitive instincts activate and you simply focus on the match."

Healy's fighting spirit has consistently been her key asset - and an irreplaceable characteristic in replacing iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.

She was tormented by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, dismissed by the 22-year-old seamer in every game, but this time it merely gave Healy's inspiration.

A single came off the opening delivery and after that Healy was on her way.

"The possibility to play and lock in a contest with her and simply enjoy myself that way, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy.

She reached fifty in 35 pitches - her swiftest at the World Cup - and her ton in 84 as she attacked short-pitched balls, striking 21 boundaries and three sixes.

Once she was removed Australia needed 66 more at one run per ball - an achievable target now needing a comfortable finish.

"To chase 330 is unfamiliar ground so I'm happy we have the assurance to accomplish that now," added Healy.

"Preferably we shouldn't have to do it again but, if we do, we believe we can achieve it."

These statements will be the last competing nations at this tournament need to hear.

Over the past five days a belief they will win from any position has become more firm - this success succeeding success over Pakistan by 107 runs despite struggling at 76-7 at a certain moment.

Following this Australia face Bangladesh before a match against longtime competitors England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a last-four spot may well be secure.

During that phase they left last year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - a match Healy couldn't play because of damaged tissue in her foot as she led her country for the first time at an important competition.

So great is her will, she later said she wanted to have participated despite the injury.

Yet even as she afterwards confessed those physical issues have delayed thoughts of retirement, this World Cup is likely to be her last as captain in 50-over cricket and she is still to achieve a world championship as captain.

Victory in India would take her to the summit of her ultimate challenge.