Australia Sets a New Benchmark as Captain Alyssa Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.

It's difficult for Australia to set fresh records.

The greatest achievements have already been conquered.

This is the team that has won seven Cricket World Cups, plus an additional six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed over three years undefeated in 50-over cricket.

The secondary achievements, the ones sought by the record chasers, are all that remain for a side that has won it all.

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That it took as late as Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to complete their first ODI chase above 300, regaining their record for the largest in the women's 50-over format, is, in truth, a tribute to the bowlers that have represented Australia over five decades.

It is hard for their batters to possess a record if never given the chance.

Ultimately, the result of Australia giving up 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy getting a chance to produce her latest masterpiece.

Originally famous as the young family member of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played 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 championship-filled years since.

Success in the T20 World Cup happened three months after her bow and seven international trophies have come from 10 tries across formats.

The determined wicketkeeper was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India temporarily stopped the run of success.

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

At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the final and was declared player of the series. She made sure her country would not fail again.

The question of whether this newest brilliant performance exceeded that prior achievement remains open for discussion.

Many contend the case for championship match pressure. Some might respond with the challenge that comes when facing a record target and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.

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

The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 occurred when she was the highest scorer, but this knock was preceded by six games in India since the start of last month in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.

"For those following me in the nets, it's been a frustrating experience because it seemed I've had no rhythm completely," said Healy.

"Yet the moment you step out on the field, your competitive nature kick in and you just lock into the contest."

Healy's competitiveness has always been her great strength - and a priceless quality in replacing legendary former captain Meg Lanning.

She was troubled by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, dismissed by the young fast bowler in every game, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's spark.

A single was taken off Gaud's first delivery and from there Healy was on her way.

"An opportunity to go out there and engage in competition with her and merely enjoy the moment in that aspect, somewhat inspired me," commented Healy.

She reached fifty in 35 deliveries - her swiftest at a World Cup - and her ton in 84 deliveries while she attacked short-pitched balls, hitting 21 fours and three big hits.

When she was removed her side needed 66 more at run per delivery - an unconquered height now demanding an easy conclusion.

"Chasing 330 runs is unfamiliar ground so I am glad we have the belief to achieve that now," continued Healy.

"Preferably we shouldn't have to do it another time but, if we do, we know we can do it."

Those words will be the last rival teams at this championship want to hear.

During the last week a belief they will win from any position has only strengthened - this victory following success over Pakistan by 107 runs despite struggling at 76-7 at one stage.

Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a meeting with old rivals England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a last-four spot may probably be guaranteed.

It was in the semi-finals they left last year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - a game Healy was absent due to ruptured tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the inaugural occasion at a major tournament.

So strong is her resolve, she subsequently stated she wished she had played with the discomfort.

However although she afterwards confessed those fitness problems have delayed consideration of ending her career, this championship is expected to be her concluding event as leader in 50-over cricket and she is yet to win a world championship as leader.

Triumph in India would take her to the summit of her ultimate challenge.