The Australian Team Sets a New Benchmark as Healy Confronts Her Ultimate Challenge.

It's tough for the Australian squad to break new ground.

The top summits have long been mastered.

We're talking about the unit that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, plus an additional six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed 1,294 days undefeated in 50-over cricket.

The remaining milestones, those for the achievement hunters, are what's still available for a side that has won it all.

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It needed up to Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase above 300, regaining their record for the largest in the women's 50-over format, is, honestly, a tribute to the bowling attack that have sported the yellow jersey over the last half-century.

It is hard for their batters to possess a record if not provided the possibility.

Ultimately, the consequence of Australia allowing 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy being given 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 nation failed to win either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups held the previous year and has witnessed all through 15 trophy-laden years since.

A T20 championship victory came three months after her debut and seven global championships have resulted from 10 efforts across formats.

The gritty keeper 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 stated recently.

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

The question of whether this newest brilliant performance surpassed that earlier display can be debated.

Some will argue the case for final game tension. Different voices suggest with the difficulty that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.

What is certain is this hundred was considerably tougher to anticipate.

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 occurred when she led the batting statistics, but this knock came after six matches in India over the past few weeks in which she had failed to pass 30.

"If you've observed me in practice sessions, it's been a disappointing period because I feel like I've had no rhythm at all," said Healy.

"However when you step out on the field, your competitive instincts kick in and you simply focus on the competition."

Healy's competitiveness has consistently been her key asset - and an irreplaceable characteristic in taking over from famous previous leader 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 inspiration.

A single came off the opening delivery and after that the batsman was on her way.

"An opportunity to play and lock in a contest with her and simply enjoy myself in that aspect, somewhat inspired me," stated Healy.

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

By the time she was removed the team needed 66 more at one run per ball - an unconquered height now needing a comfortable finish.

"To chase 330 is new territory so I'm happy we have the confidence to accomplish that now," continued Healy.

"Preferably we shouldn't have to do it another time but, if we do, we believe we can achieve it."

That comment will be the last Australia's opponents at this World Cup want to hear.

Over the past five days a belief they will succeed regardless of circumstances has only strengthened - this victory following win against Pakistan by 107-run victory despite sitting at 76-7 at a certain moment.

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 berth may well be secure.

It was in the semi-finals they were eliminated from the previous year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - a match Healy was absent due to ruptured tissue in her foot as she led her country for the initial instance at a significant event.

So strong is her resolve, she later said she wished she had played through the pain.

Yet even as she subsequently acknowledged those injuries have pushed back thoughts of retirement, this World Cup is likely to be her final tournament as skipper in 50-over cricket and she is still to achieve an international tournament as skipper.

Success in India would bring her to the top of her ultimate challenge.