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It's difficult for Australia to break new ground.

The top summits have long been mastered.

This is the squad that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, plus six more T20 titles, and earlier maintained over three years without defeat in 50-over cricket.

The secondary achievements, the ones sought by the record chasers, are all that remain for a side that has achieved everything.

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The fact it required until Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase above 300, regaining their record for the highest in the women's 50-over format, is, honestly, a tribute to the pitchers that have worn canary yellow over the past 50 years.

It's difficult for their batsmen to maintain a record if not provided the opportunity.

Finally, the consequence of Australia giving up 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy getting an opportunity to deliver her latest masterpiece.

Then best known as the young family member of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her country couldn't capture either of the T20 or ODI World Cups from the prior year and has seen it all through 15 trophy-laden years since.

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

The tough gloveman was also there in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India momentarily interrupted the winning streak.

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

At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the final and was awarded tournament MVP. She guaranteed her country would not fail again.

If this latest epic knock topped that previous effort can be debated.

Many contend the argument supporting championship match pressure. Others can counter with the challenge that comes when confronting a historic chase and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.

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

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 happened while she topped the run-scoring charts, but this performance was preceded by six games in India over the past few weeks in which she had been unable to reach 30.

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

"But once you take the field, your competitive nature take over and you simply focus on the match."

Healy's competitiveness has continuously been her major advantage - and a priceless quality in succeeding legendary former captain Meg Lanning.

She was tormented by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, dismissed by the 22-year-old seamer in all three matches, but this time it merely gave Healy's motivation.

A single came off the bowler's initial ball and after that the right-hander was in motion.

"A chance to take the field and engage in competition with her and just have a bit of fun in that regard, kind of motivated me," commented Healy.

She reached fifty in 35 deliveries - her swiftest at a World Cup - and her hundred in 84 balls as she attacked short-pitched balls, scoring 21 fours and three big hits.

When she was dismissed Australia required another 66 at run per delivery - an unconquered height now needing a comfortable finish.

"To chase 330 is unfamiliar ground so I'm pleased we have the belief to do that now," continued Healy.

"Preferably we shouldn't have to do it another time but, if we do, we are confident we can succeed."

Those words will be the ultimate thing competing nations at this championship need to hear.

Over the past five days a sense they will succeed regardless of circumstances has grown stronger - this victory coming after success over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite struggling at 76-7 at a certain moment.

Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a meeting with traditional opponents England in Indore in ten days, by which point a last-four spot may probably be guaranteed.

It was in the semi-finals they were eliminated from last year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - a match Healy couldn't play because of damaged tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the inaugural occasion at a major tournament.

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

But while she subsequently acknowledged those injuries have delayed consideration of ending her career, this World Cup is likely to be her last as captain in ODI cricket and she is still to achieve an international tournament as skipper.

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