Australia Sets a New Benchmark as Captain Alyssa Healy Confronts Her Ultimate Challenge.

It's tough for Australia to set fresh records.

The highest peaks have been successfully scaled.

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

The remaining milestones, targeted by the achievement hunters, are the only things left for a team that has achieved everything.

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That it took up to Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase exceeding 300, reclaiming their record for the largest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, frankly, a testament to the bowling attack that have worn canary yellow over five decades.

It is hard for their batsmen to hold a record if not provided the chance.

Finally, the consequence of Australia conceding 330 was skipper Alyssa Healy being given a platform to create her most recent brilliance.

Initially recognized as the teenage relative of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her country couldn't capture either of the T20 or ODI World Cups held the previous year and has seen it all through 15 trophy-laden years since.

A T20 World Cup win came three months after her debut and seven international trophies have followed from 10 efforts across formats.

The determined wicketkeeper was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India temporarily stopped the run of success.

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

At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the final and was named player of the tournament. She ensured her country would not fail again.

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

Many contend the reasoning behind championship match pressure. Some might respond with the difficulty that comes when facing a record target and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

What's definite is this hundred was far harder to see coming.

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

"If you've been watching me in practice sessions, it has been a disappointing period because it seemed my form was missing whatsoever," commented Healy.

"Yet the moment you step out on the field, your competitive instincts take over and you completely engage with the competition."

Healy's competitive nature has continuously been her key asset - and an irreplaceable characteristic in replacing legendary former captain 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 spark.

A single came off Gaud's first delivery and after that the batsman was in motion.

"An opportunity to take the field and lock in a contest with her and simply enjoy myself in that regard, sort of got me going," commented Healy.

She reached fifty in 35 deliveries - her fastest at a World Cup - and her ton in 84 balls as she punished short deliveries, scoring 21 fours and three big hits.

When she was removed the team required another 66 at run per delivery - an unconquered height now demanding an easy conclusion.

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

"Ideally we won't need to do it again but, should it happen, we are confident we can succeed."

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

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

Following this Australia face Bangladesh before a meeting with traditional opponents England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final place may well be secure.

It was at that stage they left the previous year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - a match Healy was absent due to damaged tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the inaugural occasion at a major tournament.

So strong is her resolve, she later said she wanted to have participated with the discomfort.

However although she later admitted those physical issues have pushed back plans to retire, this World Cup is expected to be her last as captain in ODI cricket and she is hasn't yet secured an international tournament as skipper.

Success in India would take her to the summit of her last major obstacle.