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

It's difficult for Australia to break new ground.

The greatest achievements have already been conquered.

We're talking about the team that has won seven Cricket World Cups, along with six more T20 titles, and previously enjoyed nearly four years undefeated in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, the ones sought by the record chasers, are all that remain for a team that has achieved everything.

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The fact it required as late as Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to complete their first ODI chase above 300, reclaiming their record for the largest in the women's 50-over format, is, in truth, a testament to the bowling attack that have represented Australia over five decades.

It is hard for their batsmen to hold a record if not afforded the possibility.

In the end, the outcome of Australia conceding 330 was leader Alyssa Healy getting a platform to deliver her most recent brilliance.

Initially recognized as the 19-year-old niece of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after her country didn't secure either of the T20 or ODI World Cups held the previous year and has seen it all through 15 successful years since.

Success in the T20 World Cup arrived three months after her first appearance and seven international trophies have resulted from 10 attempts across formats.

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

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 championship match and was declared player of the series. She guaranteed her country would not fail again.

If this recent magnificent innings topped that previous effort can be debated.

Many contend the case for final game tension. Different voices suggest with the test that comes when confronting a historic chase and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

What is certain is this ton was considerably tougher to see coming.

The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 occurred when she was the highest scorer, but this innings followed six innings in India since the start of last month in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.

"For those following me in practice sessions, it was a disappointing period because it appeared I lacked timing at all," stated Healy.

"However when you take the field, your competitive instincts activate and you just lock into the competition."

Healy's competitive nature has consistently been her major advantage - and a priceless quality in replacing 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 each encounter, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's motivation.

A single came off Gaud's first delivery and from that point the right-hander was in motion.

"A chance to play and lock in a contest with her and merely enjoy the moment in that regard, kind of motivated me," said Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 pitches - her fastest at a World Cup - and her ton in 84 deliveries while she punished short deliveries, hitting 21 fours and three sixes.

By the time she was removed the team needed 66 more at run per delivery - a manageable total now requiring a leisurely stroll.

"To chase 330 is new territory so I am glad we have the assurance to accomplish that now," stated Healy further.

"Ideally we won't need to do it another time but, if we do, we know we can do it."

These statements will be the final thing competing nations at this World Cup should hear.

Over the past five days a sense they will win from any position has become more firm - this success coming after success over Pakistan by 107-run victory despite sitting at 76-7 at one point.

Next Australia play Bangladesh before a match against 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 last year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a game Healy was absent due to damaged tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the initial instance at an important competition.

Such is her determination, she subsequently stated she wanted to have participated despite the injury.

However although she afterwards confessed those physical issues have delayed thoughts of retirement, this tournament is likely to be her final tournament as skipper in 50-over cricket and she is yet to win a global event as captain.

Success in India would bring her to the top of her last major obstacle.