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

It's a challenge for Australia to break new ground.

The top summits have been successfully scaled.

This is the squad that has won seven Cricket World Cups, plus six more T20 titles, and once went nearly four years undefeated in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, the ones sought by the peak baggers, are all that remain for a squad that has accomplished all there is.

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That it took until Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase exceeding 300, regaining their record for the biggest in the female 50-over format, is, frankly, a compliment to the bowling attack that have worn canary yellow over the past 50 years.

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

In the end, the consequence of Australia allowing 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy receiving a platform to produce her newest gem.

Initially recognized as the 19-year-old niece of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her country couldn't capture either of the T20 or ODI World Cups held the previous year and has experienced everything through 15 championship-filled years since.

A T20 World Cup win arrived three months after her bow and seven world titles have come from 10 tries across formats.

The tough gloveman was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India temporarily stopped the successful run.

That loss "pushed us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy stated recently.

At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the final and was awarded tournament MVP. She guaranteed her country would not fall short again.

The question of whether this latest epic knock exceeded that prior achievement is debatable.

Many contend the argument supporting championship match pressure. Different voices suggest with the test that comes when facing a record target and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

What is certain is this ton was far harder to anticipate.

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 occurred when she topped the run-scoring charts, but this knock came after six matches in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had been unable to reach 30.

"If you've been watching me in practice sessions, it was a disappointing period because I feel like my form was missing completely," stated Healy.

"Yet the moment you step out on the field, your competitive nature take over and you completely engage with the contest."

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

She was tormented by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, dismissed by the 22-year-old seamer in every game, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's inspiration.

A single came off the opening delivery and from that point Healy was underway.

"A chance to take the field and engage in competition with her and merely enjoy the moment in that regard, kind of motivated me," commented Healy.

She achieved fifty in 35 deliveries - her quickest at a World Cup - and her century in 84 deliveries while she attacked short-pitched balls, hitting 21 fours and three maximums.

When she was dismissed her side required another 66 at a run-a-ball - a manageable total now demanding an easy conclusion.

"Chasing 330 runs is new territory so I'm pleased we have the belief to do that now," stated Healy further.

"Preferably we shouldn't have to repeat it but, if we do, we believe we can succeed."

Those words will be the final thing competing nations at this championship should hear.

Over the past five days a belief they will succeed regardless of circumstances has become more firm - this success following success over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite being 76-7 at one point.

Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a meeting with traditional opponents England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a semi-final place may probably be guaranteed.

It was at that stage they were eliminated from the previous year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - a match Healy couldn't play because of torn tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the initial instance at a major tournament.

So great is her will, she afterwards commented she regretted not playing despite the injury.

However although she later admitted those fitness problems have delayed consideration of ending her career, this championship is likely to be her concluding event as leader in one-day cricket and she is still to achieve a global event as leader.

Victory in India would lead her to the peak of her last major obstacle.