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

It's a challenge for the Australian squad to achieve unprecedented feats.

The highest peaks have already been conquered.

This is the team that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, along with an additional six T20 titles, and once went nearly four years unbeaten in 50-over cricket.

The remaining milestones, those for the record chasers, are all that remain for a squad 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 largest in the women's 50-over format, is, honestly, 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 opportunity.

Finally, the result of Australia giving up 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy getting a platform to deliver her most recent brilliance.

Originally famous as the young family member of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut 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 resulted from 10 tries across formats.

The tough gloveman was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India momentarily interrupted the successful run.

That loss "drove us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy said this week.

At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the final and was declared player of the series. She made sure her country would not come up short.

The question of whether this recent magnificent innings topped that previous effort is debatable.

Certain people claim the argument supporting final game tension. Some might respond with the test that comes when confronting a historic chase and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.

What's clear is this century was considerably tougher to anticipate.

The Christchurch destruction in 2022 happened while she was the highest scorer, but this knock was preceded by six games in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had been unable to reach 30.

"If you've been watching me in practice sessions, it's been a frustrating experience because I feel like my form was missing completely," said Healy.

"However when you take the field, your fighting spirit kick in and you simply focus on the competition."

Healy's competitive nature has continuously been her major advantage - and an invaluable trait in succeeding iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.

She was troubled by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, out to the 22-year-old seamer in every game, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's spark.

One run resulted off the bowler's initial ball and from that point Healy was underway.

"The possibility to go out there and lock in a contest with her and simply enjoy myself in that regard, kind of motivated me," stated Healy.

She reached fifty in 35 deliveries - her fastest at a World Cup - and her ton in 84 balls as she flogged anything short, hitting 21 fours and three sixes.

By the time she was dismissed the team required another 66 at one run per ball - an unconquered height now requiring a leisurely stroll.

"Chasing 330 runs is uncharted waters so I am glad we have the assurance to achieve that now," added Healy.

"Hopefully we don't have to do it another time but, should it happen, we know we can succeed."

These statements will be the final thing Australia's opponents at this World Cup should hear.

In recent days a feeling they will win from any position has become more firm - this triumph following victory over Pakistan by 107-run victory despite struggling at 76-7 at one stage.

Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before an encounter with longtime competitors England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a semi-final place may likely be confirmed.

It was at that stage they exited the previous year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - a game Healy missed because of ruptured tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the initial instance at an important competition.

So strong is her resolve, she afterwards commented she wished she had played despite the injury.

However although she later admitted those physical issues have pushed back consideration of ending her career, this tournament is expected to be her last as captain in 50-over cricket and she is still to achieve a world championship as captain.

Victory in India would bring her to the top of her final mountain.