Australia Breaks New Ground as Captain Alyssa Healy Faces One Final Mountain.

It's difficult for Australia to break new ground.

The top summits have already been conquered.

This is the unit that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to another six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed over three years without defeat in 50-over cricket.

The remaining milestones, targeted by the peak baggers, are all that remain for a side that has accomplished all there is.

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That it took as late as Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase above 300, regaining their record for the biggest in the women's 50-over format, is, honestly, a compliment to the bowling attack that have sported the yellow jersey over five decades.

It is hard for their hitters to hold a record if not provided the opportunity.

Finally, the consequence of Australia allowing 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy getting an opportunity to deliver her newest gem.

Originally famous as the young family member of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her nation didn't secure either of the T20 or ODI World Cups held the previous year and has experienced everything through 15 trophy-laden years since.

A T20 World Cup win happened three months after her debut and seven world titles have come from 10 tries across formats.

The gritty keeper was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India briefly halted the successful run.

That loss "motivated us to reevaluate our levels," Healy stated recently.

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

The question of whether this newest brilliant performance surpassed that earlier display remains open for discussion.

Many contend the argument supporting final game tension. Others can counter with the test that comes when facing a record target and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.

What's definite is this hundred was much more difficult to see coming.

The Christchurch destruction in 2022 came as she was the highest scorer, but this innings followed six innings in India over the past few weeks in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.

"For those following me in the nets, it was a frustrating experience because it seemed I've had no rhythm completely," stated Healy.

"However when you take the field, your fighting spirit take over and you simply focus on the match."

Healy's fighting spirit has always been her major advantage - and an irreplaceable characteristic in taking over from iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.

She was tormented by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, dismissed by the emerging pace bowler in every game, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's spark.

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

"An opportunity to take the field and face the challenge with her and simply enjoy myself that way, sort of got me going," said Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 deliveries - her swiftest at the global tournament - and her hundred in 84 balls as she punished short deliveries, scoring 21 fours and three big hits.

By the time she was dismissed her side required another 66 at run per delivery - an unconquered height now requiring a leisurely stroll.

"To chase 330 is new territory so I am glad we have the assurance to accomplish that now," stated Healy further.

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

Those words will be the last rival teams at this World Cup need to hear.

During the last week a belief they will succeed regardless of circumstances has grown stronger - this triumph following success over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite sitting at 76-7 at a certain moment.

Next Australia play Bangladesh before a match against old rivals England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a semi-final berth may well be secure.

It was at that stage they were eliminated from the previous year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - an encounter Healy was absent due to torn tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the inaugural occasion at an important competition.

So great is her will, she afterwards commented she wanted to have participated with the discomfort.

However although she subsequently acknowledged those injuries have postponed plans to retire, this tournament is anticipated as her concluding event as leader in 50-over cricket and she is still to achieve a global event as captain.

Success in India would lead her to the peak of her final mountain.