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

It's tough for Australia to set fresh records.

The top summits have already been conquered.

This is the team that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to six more T20 titles, and earlier maintained 1,294 days unbeaten in 50-over cricket.

The remaining milestones, those for the peak baggers, are all that remain for a squad that has achieved everything.

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It needed until Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase exceeding 300, reclaiming their record for the biggest in the female 50-over format, is, in truth, a testament to the bowlers that have sported the yellow jersey over the past 50 years.

It is hard for their batsmen to hold a record if never given the chance.

In the end, the consequence of Australia giving up 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy receiving a chance to produce her most recent brilliance.

Initially recognized as the teenage relative of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her nation failed to win either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups held the previous year and has experienced everything through 15 trophy-laden years since.

A T20 championship victory happened three months after her first appearance and seven global championships have resulted from 10 attempts across formats.

The tough gloveman was also there in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India momentarily interrupted the winning streak.

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

At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the title decider and was awarded tournament MVP. She guaranteed her country would not fall short again.

The question of whether this latest epic knock surpassed that earlier display is debatable.

Some will argue the case for the pressure of a final. Others can counter with the test that comes when confronting a historic chase and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.

What's clear is this ton was far harder to see coming.

The Christchurch destruction in 2022 happened while she topped the run-scoring charts, but this innings followed six innings in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had failed to pass 30.

"If you've been watching me in the nets, it has been a frustrating experience because it appeared my form was missing completely," stated Healy.

"But once you enter the playing area, your fighting spirit activate and you simply focus on the match."

Healy's fighting spirit has always been her key asset - and an irreplaceable characteristic in succeeding legendary former captain Meg Lanning.

She was challenged by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, dismissed by the young fast bowler in each encounter, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's motivation.

A single was taken off the bowler's initial ball and from that point 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 aspect, sort of got me going," commented Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 deliveries - her fastest at the global tournament - and her hundred in 84 balls as she attacked short-pitched balls, scoring 21 fours and three sixes.

When she was removed the team required another 66 at a run-a-ball - an unconquered height now demanding an easy conclusion.

"Pursuing 330 is unfamiliar ground so I'm happy we have the assurance to achieve that now," added Healy.

"Preferably we shouldn't have to do it again but, if we do, we are confident we can do it."

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

Over the past five days a feeling they will succeed regardless of circumstances has grown stronger - this success following victory over Pakistan by 107 runs despite struggling at 76-7 at a certain moment.

Following this Australia face Bangladesh before an encounter with old rivals England in Indore in ten days, by which point a last-four spot may likely be confirmed.

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 guided Australia for the first time at a significant event.

Such is her determination, she subsequently stated she wished she had played despite the injury.

But while she afterwards confessed those fitness problems have delayed thoughts of retirement, this World Cup is likely to be her last as captain in 50-over 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.