The Australian Team Sets a New Benchmark as Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.

It's tough for Australia to achieve unprecedented feats.

The top summits have already been conquered.

We're talking about the squad that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to another six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed over three years without defeat in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, targeted by the record chasers, are all that remain for a squad that has achieved everything.

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The fact it required up to Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase above 300, taking back their record for the largest in the women's 50-over format, is, honestly, a testament to the bowlers that have represented Australia over the last half-century.

It's difficult for their hitters to hold a record if not provided the chance.

Finally, the consequence of Australia allowing 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy receiving a chance to deliver her newest gem.

Originally famous as the 19-year-old niece of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after her nation failed to win either of the T20 or ODI World Cups conducted earlier and has experienced everything through 15 trophy-laden years since.

A T20 World Cup win happened three months after her first appearance and seven international trophies have come from 10 attempts across formats.

The determined wicketkeeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India momentarily interrupted the successful run.

That loss "drove us to reevaluate our levels," Healy commented earlier.

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 guaranteed her country would not fail again.

The question of whether this newest brilliant performance exceeded that prior achievement is debatable.

Some will argue the argument supporting championship match pressure. Others can counter with the difficulty that comes when confronting a historic chase and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.

What's clear is this century was far harder to anticipate.

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 happened while she was the highest scorer, but this innings 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 observed me in practice sessions, it has been a challenging time because it appeared I've had no rhythm whatsoever," stated Healy.

"However when you enter the playing area, your competitive nature kick in and you completely engage with the competition."

Healy's competitive nature has always been her major advantage - and an invaluable trait in replacing famous previous leader Meg Lanning.

She was challenged by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, fallen to the emerging pace bowler in all three matches, but here that only provided Healy's spark.

One run resulted off the bowler's initial ball and from that point the batsman was on her way.

"The possibility to take the field and lock in a contest with her and simply enjoy myself that way, somewhat inspired me," said Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 balls - her quickest at the global tournament - and her century in 84 balls as she flogged anything short, striking 21 boundaries and three maximums.

When she was dismissed the team needed 66 additional runs at a run-a-ball - an unconquered height now needing a comfortable finish.

"Pursuing 330 is unfamiliar ground so I am glad we have the confidence to achieve that now," continued Healy.

"Preferably we shouldn't have to repeat it but, should it happen, we believe we can achieve it."

Those words will be the ultimate thing Australia's opponents at this championship want to hear.

During the last week a belief they will triumph from any situation has become more firm - this victory following victory over Pakistan by 107 runs despite being 76-7 at one point.

Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before an encounter with longtime competitors England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final berth may probably be guaranteed.

It was at that stage they exited the previous year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a game Healy couldn't play because of torn tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the first time at a major tournament.

So strong is her resolve, she afterwards commented she regretted not playing with the discomfort.

But while she afterwards confessed those physical issues have postponed consideration of ending her career, this tournament is anticipated as her final tournament as skipper in one-day cricket and she is still to achieve a world championship as captain.

Triumph in India would take her to the summit of her final mountain.