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

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

The highest peaks have long been mastered.

We're talking about the squad that has won seven Cricket World Cups, plus an additional six T20 titles, and once went 1,294 days unbeaten in 50-over cricket.

The remaining milestones, the ones sought by the peak baggers, are what's still available for a side that has won it all.

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That it took up to Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to complete their first ODI chase exceeding 300, taking back their record for the biggest in the women's 50-over format, is, in truth, a testament to the pitchers that have sported the yellow jersey over the past 50 years.

It's difficult for their batsmen to hold a record if not provided the opportunity.

Finally, the consequence of Australia giving up 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy being given an opportunity to produce her most recent brilliance.

Initially recognized as the 19-year-old niece of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after Australia failed to win 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 happened three months after her debut and seven global championships have followed from 10 efforts across formats.

The tough gloveman was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India briefly halted the run of success.

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

At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the championship match and was awarded tournament MVP. She made sure her country would not fail again.

The question of whether this latest epic knock surpassed that earlier display is debatable.

Many contend the argument supporting the pressure of a final. Some might respond with the test that comes when facing a record target and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

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

The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 came as she led the batting statistics, but this innings was preceded by six games in India over the past few weeks in which she had failed to pass 30.

"If you've observed me in the nets, it has been a frustrating experience because it seemed my form was missing completely," stated Healy.

"But once you take the field, your competitive nature take over and you completely engage with the competition."

Healy's competitiveness has continuously been her great strength - and an invaluable trait in succeeding iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.

She was challenged by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, out to the young fast bowler in every game, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's motivation.

A single was taken off the opening delivery and from that point the right-hander was underway.

"A chance to play and lock in a contest with her and simply enjoy myself in that aspect, kind of motivated me," stated Healy.

She achieved fifty in 35 balls - her fastest at a World Cup - and her ton in 84 balls as she punished short deliveries, hitting 21 fours and three maximums.

By the time she was removed the team required another 66 at run per delivery - an achievable target now requiring a leisurely stroll.

"Pursuing 330 is uncharted waters so I'm happy we have the belief to do that now," added Healy.

"Preferably we shouldn't have to repeat it but, should it happen, we are confident we can do it."

Those words will be the ultimate thing competing nations at this tournament need to hear.

In recent days a feeling they will succeed regardless of circumstances has grown stronger - this victory following victory over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite struggling at 76-7 at a certain moment.

Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a meeting with old rivals England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a last-four spot may probably be guaranteed.

It was at that stage they left last year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - an encounter Healy couldn't play because of ruptured tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the first time at a major tournament.

So strong is her resolve, she afterwards commented she regretted not playing despite the injury.

However although she afterwards confessed those fitness problems have delayed plans to retire, this championship is anticipated as her concluding event as leader in 50-over cricket and she is still to achieve a global event as captain.

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