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

It's a challenge for Australia to set fresh records.

The greatest achievements have long been mastered.

We're talking about the unit that has claimed 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, those for the record chasers, are all that remain for a side that has achieved everything.

• Healy's Hundred Aids Australia to Unprecedented Chase
• Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 - Matches, Results & Statistics
• Women's World Cup Table, Top Run-Scorers & Wicket-Takers

That it took up to Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase exceeding 300, regaining their record for the biggest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, in truth, a compliment to the bowling attack that have worn canary yellow over the last half-century.

It is hard for their hitters to hold a record if not afforded the possibility.

Finally, the result of Australia conceding 330 was skipper Alyssa Healy getting a platform to create her most recent brilliance.

Then best known as the young family member of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her nation didn't secure either of the T20 or ODI World Cups conducted earlier and has seen it all through 15 trophy-laden years since.

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

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

That loss "pushed us to reevaluate our levels," Healy stated recently.

At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the title decider and was named player of the tournament. She guaranteed her country would not fail again.

If this recent magnificent innings exceeded that prior achievement remains open for discussion.

Many contend the reasoning behind final game tension. Others can counter with the challenge that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.

What is certain is this ton was much more difficult to see coming.

The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 occurred when she led the batting statistics, but this knock 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 practice sessions, it's been a disappointing period because it seemed my form was missing at all," commented Healy.

"But once you step out on the field, your competitive instincts take over and you just lock into the contest."

Healy's competitive nature has continuously been her great strength - and a priceless quality in taking over from legendary former captain Meg Lanning.

She was challenged by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, dismissed by the young fast bowler in every game, but here that only provided Healy's spark.

One run resulted off the bowler's initial ball and from there Healy was in motion.

"A chance to play and face the challenge with her and just have a bit of fun in that aspect, kind of motivated me," said Healy.

She achieved fifty in 35 pitches - her quickest at a World Cup - and her ton in 84 as she punished short deliveries, striking 21 boundaries and three big hits.

When she was out the team required another 66 at one run per ball - a manageable total now needing a comfortable finish.

"To chase 330 is uncharted waters so I'm pleased we have the belief to achieve that now," added Healy.

"Hopefully we don't have to do it another time but, if we do, we know we can achieve it."

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

Over the past five days a feeling they will succeed regardless of circumstances has only strengthened - this triumph following win against Pakistan by 107 run margin despite struggling at 76-7 at one stage.

Next Australia play Bangladesh before a meeting with longtime competitors England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final berth may well be secure.

During that phase they left the previous year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - an encounter Healy couldn't play because of torn tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the initial instance at a major tournament.

So great is her will, she subsequently stated she wanted to have participated with the discomfort.

But while she afterwards confessed those injuries have delayed plans to retire, this championship is expected to be her final tournament as skipper in one-day cricket and she is yet to win a world championship as leader.

Success in India would bring her to the top of her final mountain.