Australia Sets a New Benchmark as Captain Alyssa Healy Faces One Final Mountain.

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

The highest peaks have been successfully scaled.

We're talking about the squad that has won seven Cricket World Cups, along with an additional six T20 titles, and once went over three years undefeated in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, the ones sought by the record chasers, are what's still available for a side that has achieved everything.

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That it took up to Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase above 300, reclaiming 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 last half-century.

It's challenging for their hitters to hold a record if not provided the possibility.

In the end, the result of Australia giving up 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy being given a platform to deliver her newest gem.

Then best known as the 19-year-old niece of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her nation failed to win either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups conducted earlier and has experienced everything through 15 trophy-laden years since.

A T20 World Cup win arrived three months after her first appearance and seven global championships have resulted from 10 tries across formats.

The determined wicketkeeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India temporarily stopped the winning streak.

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

At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the championship match and was declared player of the series. She guaranteed her country would not fail again.

Whether this recent magnificent innings surpassed that earlier display remains open for discussion.

Some will argue the case for championship match pressure. Others can counter with the test that comes when facing a record target and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.

What's definite is this century was considerably tougher to anticipate.

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 came as she was the highest scorer, but this performance came after six matches in India since the start of last month in which she had failed to pass 30.

"If you've observed me in training, it's been a disappointing period because it seemed I lacked timing at all," said Healy.

"But once you take the field, your competitive nature activate and you simply focus on the contest."

Healy's fighting spirit has consistently been her major advantage - and a priceless quality in taking over from iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.

She was challenged by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, out to the emerging pace bowler in every game, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's inspiration.

One run resulted off the bowler's initial ball and after that the right-hander was on her way.

"The possibility to take the field and face the challenge with her and just have a bit of fun in that regard, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 pitches - her swiftest at the World Cup - and her century in 84 deliveries while she attacked short-pitched balls, hitting 21 fours and three big hits.

By the time she was dismissed Australia needed 66 more at a run-a-ball - an unconquered height now needing a comfortable finish.

"Chasing 330 runs is uncharted waters so I'm pleased we have the assurance to accomplish that now," continued Healy.

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

That comment will be the ultimate thing Australia's opponents at this tournament need to hear.

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

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

It was at that stage they left the previous year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a match Healy was absent due to damaged tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the first time at an important competition.

So strong is her resolve, she later said she wanted to have participated despite the injury.

Yet even as she afterwards confessed those fitness problems have delayed consideration of ending her career, this World Cup is anticipated as her concluding event as leader in ODI cricket and she is hasn't yet secured an international tournament as captain.

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