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

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

The greatest achievements have already been conquered.

We're talking about the unit that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to another six T20 titles, and once went nearly four years undefeated in 50-over cricket.

The remaining milestones, targeted by the achievement hunters, are what's still available for a squad that has won it all.

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That it took as late as Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to complete their first ODI chase exceeding 300, taking back their record for the largest in the female 50-over format, is, honestly, a tribute to the pitchers that have represented Australia over five decades.

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

Finally, the outcome of Australia giving up 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy receiving an opportunity to deliver her newest gem.

Then best known as the 19-year-old niece of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after Australia didn't secure either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups from the prior year and has witnessed all through 15 championship-filled years since.

A T20 World Cup win came three months after her debut and seven global championships have resulted from 10 tries across formats.

The gritty keeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India temporarily stopped the run of success.

That loss "pushed us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy said this week.

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

If this latest epic knock exceeded that prior achievement is debatable.

Certain people claim the reasoning behind championship match pressure. Others can counter with the challenge that comes when confronting a historic chase and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.

What's definite is this ton was considerably tougher 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 over the past few weeks in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.

"If you've been watching me in practice sessions, it was a frustrating experience because it appeared I've had no rhythm at all," commented Healy.

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

Healy's competitiveness has always been her major advantage - and an invaluable trait in replacing legendary former captain Meg Lanning.

She was troubled by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, out to the young fast bowler in all three matches, but this time it merely gave Healy's spark.

A single was taken off the bowler's initial ball and after that Healy was underway.

"The possibility to play and lock in a contest with her and just have a bit of fun that way, sort of got me going," commented Healy.

She achieved fifty in 35 deliveries - her quickest at the World Cup - and her hundred in 84 deliveries while she punished short deliveries, striking 21 boundaries and three sixes.

By the time she was removed Australia needed 66 more at a run-a-ball - a manageable total now demanding an easy conclusion.

"To chase 330 is uncharted waters so I am glad we have the confidence to accomplish that now," added Healy.

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

These statements will be the final thing competing nations at this tournament want to hear.

In recent days a sense they will succeed regardless of circumstances has only strengthened - this success following victory over Pakistan by 107 run margin despite struggling at 76-7 at one stage.

Following this Australia face Bangladesh before a meeting with longtime competitors England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final place may likely be confirmed.

It was at that stage they were eliminated from the previous year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - a game Healy couldn't play because of ruptured tissue in her foot as she led her country for the first time at a major tournament.

Such is her determination, she subsequently stated she wanted to have participated through the pain.

But while she later admitted those injuries have delayed thoughts of retirement, this tournament is anticipated as her last as captain in 50-over cricket and she is yet to win a global event as captain.

Triumph in India would bring her to the top of her last major obstacle.