The Australian Team Sets a New Benchmark as Healy Faces One Final Mountain.

It's tough for Australia to set fresh records.

The top summits have been successfully scaled.

This is the squad that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to another six T20 titles, and once went over three years unbeaten in 50-over cricket.

The secondary achievements, those for the peak baggers, are the only things left for a squad that has achieved everything.

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The fact it required up to Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase above 300, regaining their record for the biggest in the female 50-over format, is, honestly, a tribute to the bowling attack that have sported the yellow jersey over the last half-century.

It's challenging for their hitters to hold a record if not afforded the chance.

Ultimately, the result of Australia allowing 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy getting an opportunity to produce her newest gem.

Then best known as the teenage relative of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after her country couldn't capture either of the T20 or ODI World Cups conducted earlier and has witnessed all through 15 championship-filled years since.

A T20 championship victory came three months after her debut and seven world titles have resulted from 10 efforts across formats.

The tough gloveman was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India briefly halted the run of success.

That loss "pushed us to rethink our standards," Healy said this week.

At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the title decider and was named player of the tournament. She ensured her country would not fail again.

If this latest epic knock exceeded that prior achievement remains open for discussion.

Certain people claim the case for final game tension. Different voices suggest with the challenge that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

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

The Christchurch destruction in 2022 came as she was the highest scorer, but this performance was preceded by six games in India over the past few weeks in which she had been unable to reach 30.

"If you've been watching me in the nets, it has been a frustrating experience because it appeared I've had no rhythm at all," said Healy.

"However when you enter the playing area, your competitive nature kick in and you simply focus on the competition."

Healy's competitiveness has consistently been her key asset - and a priceless quality in replacing legendary former captain Meg Lanning.

She was challenged by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, dismissed by the emerging pace bowler in all three matches, but this time it merely gave Healy's inspiration.

A single was taken off Gaud's first delivery and from that point the batsman was on her way.

"An opportunity to play and face the challenge with her and merely enjoy the moment in that aspect, kind of motivated me," stated Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 pitches - her swiftest at a World Cup - and her ton in 84 deliveries while she punished short deliveries, hitting 21 fours and three big hits.

When she was removed Australia required another 66 at run per delivery - an unconquered height now requiring a leisurely stroll.

"Pursuing 330 is new territory so I am glad we have the assurance to achieve that now," added Healy.

"Preferably we shouldn't have to do it again but, should it happen, we know we can succeed."

That comment will be the ultimate thing Australia's opponents at this tournament want to hear.

Over the past five days a feeling they will triumph from any situation has become more firm - this victory coming after victory over Pakistan by 107-run victory despite struggling at 76-7 at one stage.

Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before an encounter with old rivals England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a last-four spot may likely be confirmed.

During that phase they were eliminated from last year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - a game Healy couldn't play because of torn tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the initial instance at an important competition.

Such is her determination, she afterwards commented she wished she had played through the pain.

But while she later admitted those physical issues have pushed back consideration of ending her career, this championship is likely to be her final tournament as skipper in one-day cricket and she is yet to win an international tournament as leader.

Victory in India would bring her to the top of her last major obstacle.