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

It's a challenge for Australia to set fresh records.

The top summits have been successfully scaled.

We're talking about the unit that has won seven Cricket World Cups, plus another six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed over three years without defeat in 50-over cricket.

The secondary achievements, those for the achievement hunters, are the only things left for a squad that has accomplished all there is.

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It needed as late as Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase exceeding 300, reclaiming their record for the biggest in the female 50-over format, is, frankly, a compliment to the bowling attack that have represented Australia over five decades.

It is hard for their batters to hold a record if not afforded the chance.

Ultimately, the result of Australia giving up 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy getting a chance to produce her newest gem.

Originally famous as the teenage relative of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after Australia failed to win either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups from the prior year and has witnessed all through 15 trophy-laden years since.

Success in the T20 World Cup arrived three months after her first appearance and seven international trophies have followed from 10 attempts across formats.

The gritty keeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India temporarily stopped the successful run.

That loss "drove us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy commented earlier.

At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the title decider and was declared player of the series. She guaranteed her country would not fail again.

The question of whether this recent magnificent innings exceeded that prior achievement can be debated.

Some will argue the argument supporting championship match pressure. Some might respond with the challenge that comes when confronting a historic chase and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

What is certain is this ton was considerably tougher to predict.

The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 occurred when she topped the run-scoring charts, but this innings came after six matches in India over the past few weeks in which she had not exceeded 30 runs.

"If you've observed me in practice sessions, it's been a challenging time because it appeared I've had no rhythm completely," commented Healy.

"Yet the moment you enter the playing area, your competitive instincts take over and you simply focus on the match."

Healy's competitiveness has continuously been her great strength - and a priceless quality in taking over from famous previous leader Meg Lanning.

She was tormented by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, fallen to the emerging pace bowler in each encounter, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's inspiration.

One run resulted off the bowler's initial ball and after that Healy was underway.

"The possibility to go out there and lock in a contest with her and merely enjoy the moment in that aspect, kind of motivated me," said Healy.

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

Once she was out the team needed 66 more at a run-a-ball - an unconquered height now demanding an easy conclusion.

"Chasing 330 runs is uncharted waters so I am glad we have the confidence to do that now," continued Healy.

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

These statements will be the final thing rival teams at this tournament should hear.

Over the past five days a feeling they will succeed regardless of circumstances has become more firm - this victory coming after success over Pakistan by 107-run victory despite sitting at 76-7 at a certain moment.

Following this Australia face Bangladesh before an encounter with traditional opponents England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a last-four spot may likely be confirmed.

It was in the semi-finals they exited last year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - an encounter Healy couldn't play because of torn tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the inaugural occasion at a major tournament.

So great is her will, she subsequently stated she regretted not playing despite the injury.

Yet even as she later admitted those injuries have postponed thoughts of retirement, this championship is likely to be her concluding event as leader in ODI cricket and she is still to achieve an international tournament as captain.

Success in India would bring her to the top of her ultimate challenge.