Australia Sets a New Benchmark as Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.

It's a challenge for the Australian squad to set fresh records.

The top summits have already been conquered.

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

The remaining milestones, the ones sought by the achievement hunters, are the only things left for a squad that has accomplished all there is.

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The fact it required until Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase over 300, taking back their record for the highest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, frankly, a testament to the bowling attack that have sported the yellow jersey over the past 50 years.

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

Ultimately, the consequence of Australia giving up 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy being given an opportunity to produce her newest gem.

Originally famous as the young family member of renowned former 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 seen it all through 15 successful years since.

Success in the T20 World Cup happened three months after her first appearance and seven global championships have resulted from 10 efforts across formats.

The determined wicketkeeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India briefly halted the successful run.

That loss "drove us to rethink our standards," Healy stated recently.

At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the title decider and was awarded tournament MVP. She guaranteed her country would not fail again.

If this recent magnificent innings surpassed that earlier display can be debated.

Certain people claim the argument supporting championship match pressure. Others can counter with the challenge that comes when confronting a historic chase and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.

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

The Christchurch destruction in 2022 happened while she topped the run-scoring charts, but this innings was preceded by six games in India since the start of last month in which she had been unable to reach 30.

"If you've observed me in practice sessions, it was a challenging time because it appeared I lacked timing whatsoever," said Healy.

"However when you step out on the field, your competitive nature activate and you completely engage with the contest."

Healy's competitive nature has continuously been her great strength - and an invaluable trait in taking over from famous previous leader Meg Lanning.

She was challenged by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, out to the 22-year-old seamer in each encounter, but this time it merely gave Healy's inspiration.

A single came off the opening delivery and from there Healy was underway.

"An opportunity to play and face the challenge with her and simply enjoy myself in that regard, somewhat inspired me," stated Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 balls - her quickest at the World Cup - and her ton in 84 deliveries while she attacked short-pitched balls, scoring 21 fours and three maximums.

By the time she was dismissed Australia needed 66 more at one run per ball - an unconquered height now requiring a leisurely stroll.

"To chase 330 is new territory so I'm pleased we have the confidence to do that now," added Healy.

"Hopefully we don't have to repeat it but, if we do, we are confident we can succeed."

These statements will be the ultimate thing rival teams at this tournament should hear.

In recent days a belief they will win from any position has grown stronger - this triumph succeeding win against Pakistan by 107 run margin despite struggling at 76-7 at one stage.

Next Australia play Bangladesh before a meeting with traditional opponents England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a semi-final place may probably be guaranteed.

During that phase they left the previous year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - a match Healy couldn't play because of torn tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the initial instance at a significant event.

So great is her will, she subsequently stated she regretted not playing through the pain.

But while she later admitted those fitness problems have postponed plans to retire, this championship is anticipated as her final tournament as skipper in ODI cricket and she is still to achieve a global event as leader.

Success in India would lead her to the peak of her ultimate challenge.