The Australian Team Establishes a Fresh Record as Captain Alyssa Healy Confronts Her Ultimate Challenge.

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

The greatest achievements have already been conquered.

This is the squad that has won seven Cricket World Cups, along with another six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed nearly four years undefeated in 50-over cricket.

The secondary achievements, those for the record chasers, are all that remain for a squad that has achieved everything.

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That it took up to Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase exceeding 300, regaining their record for the highest in the female 50-over format, is, in truth, a compliment to the bowlers that have worn canary yellow over the last half-century.

It's difficult 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 receiving a platform to create her latest masterpiece.

Originally famous as the teenage relative of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after Australia failed to win either of the T20 or ODI World Cups from the prior year and has seen it all through 15 championship-filled years since.

Success in the T20 World Cup came three months after her first appearance and seven world titles 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 rethink our standards," Healy commented earlier.

At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the final and was declared player of the series. She ensured her country would not come up short.

The question of whether this newest brilliant performance topped that previous effort remains open for discussion.

Many contend the case for final game tension. Others can counter with the difficulty that comes when confronting a historic chase and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

What's clear is this hundred was considerably tougher to anticipate.

The Christchurch destruction in 2022 happened while she was the highest scorer, but this performance followed six innings in India over the past few weeks in which she had failed to pass 30.

"For those following me in the nets, it has been a frustrating experience because I feel like I've had no rhythm whatsoever," said Healy.

"But once you enter the playing area, your competitive instincts take over and you just lock into the match."

Healy's competitiveness has continuously been her major advantage - and a priceless quality in taking over from legendary former captain Meg Lanning.

She was tormented by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, out to the emerging pace bowler in every game, but this time it merely gave Healy's inspiration.

One run resulted off the opening delivery and after that the batsman was underway.

"An opportunity to take the field and lock in a contest with her and merely enjoy the moment that way, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy.

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

When she was out her side required another 66 at one run per ball - an achievable target now requiring a leisurely stroll.

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

"Ideally we won't need to repeat it but, if necessary, we know we can succeed."

That comment will be the last rival teams at this tournament want to hear.

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

Following this Australia face Bangladesh before a meeting with longtime competitors England in Indore in ten days, by which point a semi-final berth may well be secure.

During that phase they exited last year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a game Healy was absent due to ruptured tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the inaugural occasion at a major tournament.

So great is her will, she subsequently stated she wished she had played despite the injury.

But while she later admitted those physical issues have postponed thoughts of retirement, this World Cup is expected to be her last as captain in one-day cricket and she is hasn't yet secured a world championship as captain.

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