Australia Breaks New Ground as Captain Alyssa Healy Confronts Her Ultimate Challenge.

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

The highest peaks have been successfully scaled.

This is the unit that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, plus another six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed nearly four years undefeated in 50-over cricket.

The secondary achievements, the ones sought by the record chasers, are what's still available for a side that has won it all.

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That it took up to Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase exceeding 300, regaining their record for the biggest in the women's 50-over format, is, in truth, a testament to the bowlers that have worn canary yellow over the past 50 years.

It's difficult for their hitters to hold a record if not afforded the opportunity.

In the end, the result of Australia allowing 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy getting a chance to produce her newest gem.

Originally famous as the young family member of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her nation failed to win either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups from the prior year and has experienced everything through 15 championship-filled years since.

A T20 championship victory arrived three months after her debut and seven world titles have followed from 10 tries across formats.

The gritty keeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India briefly halted the winning streak.

That loss "drove us to reevaluate our levels," Healy said this week.

At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the title decider and was named player of the tournament. She ensured her country would not fail again.

If this newest brilliant performance topped that previous effort is debatable.

Certain people claim the case for the pressure of a final. Others can counter with the test that comes when facing a record target and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.

What's clear is this ton was considerably tougher to see coming.

The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 happened while she led the batting statistics, but this performance came after six matches in India since the start of last month in which she had been unable to reach 30.

"If you've been watching me in training, it's been a disappointing period because it seemed I've had no rhythm at all," said Healy.

"But once you enter the playing area, your fighting spirit activate and you completely engage with the contest."

Healy's fighting spirit has consistently been her key asset - and a priceless quality in succeeding famous previous leader Meg Lanning.

She was challenged by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, out to the emerging pace bowler in each encounter, but this time it merely gave Healy's inspiration.

One run resulted off the opening delivery and from that point Healy was underway.

"A chance to take the field and lock in a contest with her and simply enjoy myself in that aspect, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy.

She achieved fifty in 35 deliveries - her swiftest at the World Cup - and her ton in 84 deliveries while she punished short deliveries, hitting 21 fours and three maximums.

When she was dismissed the team needed 66 additional runs at a run-a-ball - an unconquered height now demanding an easy conclusion.

"Pursuing 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 necessary, we believe we can achieve it."

These statements will be the last rival teams at this championship want to hear.

In recent days a sense they will succeed regardless of circumstances has only strengthened - this success following success over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite sitting at 76-7 at one point.

Next Australia play Bangladesh before a match against traditional opponents England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a last-four spot may well be secure.

It was at that stage they left last year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - a match Healy was absent due to damaged tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the initial instance at a significant event.

So strong is her resolve, she subsequently stated she regretted not playing despite the injury.

However although she subsequently acknowledged those physical issues have delayed thoughts of retirement, this World Cup is expected to be her concluding event as leader in 50-over cricket and she is still to achieve an international tournament as skipper.

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