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

It's a challenge for the Australian squad to achieve unprecedented feats.

The greatest achievements have already been conquered.

This is the unit that has won seven Cricket World Cups, along with six more T20 titles, and earlier maintained 1,294 days without defeat in 50-over cricket.

The secondary achievements, those for the peak baggers, are all that remain for a side that has won it all.

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It needed up to Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase above 300, reclaiming their record for the biggest in the women's 50-over format, is, honestly, a tribute to the bowlers that have worn canary yellow over the past 50 years.

It's difficult for their batters to hold a record if never given the chance.

Ultimately, the result of Australia giving up 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy receiving a platform to deliver her newest gem.

Then best known as the 19-year-old niece of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after her nation couldn't capture either of the T20 or ODI World Cups held the previous year and has witnessed all through 15 trophy-laden years since.

Success in the T20 World Cup came three months after her debut and seven global championships have followed from 10 efforts across formats.

The gritty keeper was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India momentarily interrupted the run of success.

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

At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the title decider and was declared player of the series. She made sure her country would not fall short again.

The question of whether this recent magnificent innings surpassed that earlier display remains open for discussion.

Some will argue the reasoning behind the pressure of a final. Some might respond with the test that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

What is certain is this century was considerably tougher to see coming.

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 came as she led the batting statistics, but this innings followed six innings 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 the nets, it's been a frustrating experience because I feel like I lacked timing whatsoever," stated Healy.

"However when you step out on the field, your competitive nature activate and you completely engage with the contest."

Healy's competitiveness has continuously been her key asset - and an irreplaceable characteristic in replacing famous previous leader Meg Lanning.

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

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

"An opportunity to take the field and lock in a contest with her and merely enjoy the moment in that regard, sort of got me going," said Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 deliveries - her fastest at a World Cup - and her ton in 84 as she punished short deliveries, scoring 21 fours and three maximums.

By the time she was removed her side required another 66 at a run-a-ball - a manageable total now needing a comfortable finish.

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

"Ideally we won't need to do it another time but, if necessary, we believe we can do it."

That comment will be the last Australia's opponents at this World Cup should hear.

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

Following this Australia face Bangladesh before a match against old rivals England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a last-four spot may well be secure.

It was in the semi-finals they exited the previous year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - a game Healy missed because of torn tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the first time at an important competition.

So strong is her resolve, she afterwards commented she wanted to have participated through the pain.

However although she afterwards confessed those fitness problems have pushed back thoughts of retirement, this championship is expected to be her final tournament as skipper in one-day cricket and she is still to achieve a world championship as captain.

Success in India would take her to the summit of her last major obstacle.