Australia Sets a New Benchmark as Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.

It's a challenge for Australia to set fresh records.

The top summits have been successfully scaled.

We're talking about the squad that has won seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to six more T20 titles, and once went over three years unbeaten in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, targeted by the peak baggers, are the only things left for a team that has accomplished all there is.

• Healy's Century Aids Australia to Unprecedented Chase
• ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Schedule, Outcomes & Details
• Tournament Standings, Leading Batsmen & Wicket-Takers

That it took as late as Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase over 300, reclaiming their record for the highest in the female 50-over format, is, frankly, a tribute to the bowlers that have represented Australia over the last half-century.

It's challenging for their batters to hold a record if not provided the possibility.

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

Then best known as the teenage relative of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her country didn't secure either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups from the prior year and has seen it all through 15 championship-filled years since.

A T20 World Cup win came three months after her debut and seven world titles have followed from 10 attempts across formats.

The tough gloveman was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India temporarily stopped the successful run.

That loss "motivated us to reevaluate our levels," Healy commented earlier.

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 guaranteed her country would not come up short.

If this recent magnificent innings exceeded that prior achievement remains open for discussion.

Certain people claim the case for final game tension. Some might respond with the difficulty that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.

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

The Christchurch destruction in 2022 came as she was the highest scorer, but this knock came after six matches in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had failed to pass 30.

"For those following me in practice sessions, it has been a challenging time because it seemed I lacked timing whatsoever," stated Healy.

"But once you step out on the field, your competitive instincts take over and you simply focus on the competition."

Healy's fighting spirit has consistently been her great strength - and an invaluable trait in succeeding famous previous leader Meg Lanning.

She was tormented by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, dismissed by the 22-year-old seamer in every game, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's motivation.

One run resulted off Gaud's first delivery and from that point the batsman was on her way.

"A chance to play and face the challenge with her and merely enjoy the moment that way, kind of motivated me," commented Healy.

She achieved fifty in 35 pitches - her quickest at the World Cup - and her century in 84 deliveries while she flogged anything short, striking 21 boundaries and three sixes.

By the time she was dismissed Australia required another 66 at one run per ball - an achievable target now requiring a leisurely stroll.

"Chasing 330 runs is unfamiliar ground so I am glad we have the belief to achieve that now," added Healy.

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

These statements will be the ultimate thing competing nations at this championship should hear.

Over the past five days a belief they will succeed regardless of circumstances has grown stronger - this success coming after victory over Pakistan by 107-run victory despite being 76-7 at one stage.

Next Australia play Bangladesh before an encounter with old rivals England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final place may likely be confirmed.

It was at that stage they left the prior 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 inaugural occasion at an important competition.

So great is her will, she later said she wanted to have participated with the discomfort.

However although she later admitted those injuries have delayed thoughts of retirement, this World Cup is anticipated as her last as captain in 50-over cricket and she is hasn't yet secured a world championship as captain.

Triumph in India would lead her to the peak of her last major obstacle.