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

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

The greatest achievements have long been mastered.

This is the team that has won seven Cricket World Cups, along with another six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed over three years without defeat in 50-over cricket.

The secondary achievements, targeted by the achievement hunters, are what's still available for a team that has accomplished all there is.

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The fact it required up to Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to complete their first ODI chase exceeding 300, regaining their record for the highest in the female 50-over format, is, honestly, a tribute to the bowlers that have represented Australia over the past 50 years.

It is hard for their hitters to maintain a record if not afforded the opportunity.

Finally, the consequence of Australia allowing 330 runs was leader Alyssa Healy getting a chance to produce her latest masterpiece.

Initially recognized as the teenage relative of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after Australia couldn't capture either of the T20 or ODI World Cups held the previous year and has experienced everything through 15 trophy-laden years since.

A T20 championship victory came three months after her first appearance and seven world titles have come from 10 attempts across formats.

The gritty keeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India momentarily interrupted the run of success.

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

At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the championship match and was named player of the tournament. She made sure her country would not fall short again.

If this recent magnificent innings exceeded that prior achievement is debatable.

Some will argue the reasoning behind the pressure of a final. Others can counter with the test that comes when facing a record target and a loud pro-India audience of 20,000.

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

The Christchurch destruction in 2022 occurred when she was the highest scorer, but this innings came after six matches in India over the past few weeks in which she had failed to pass 30.

"If you've observed me in the nets, it's been a disappointing period because I feel like I've had no rhythm whatsoever," commented Healy.

"However when you take the field, your competitive instincts take over and you simply focus on the competition."

Healy's fighting spirit has consistently been her key asset - and an invaluable trait in taking over from iconic ex-skipper 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 here that only provided Healy's spark.

A single came off the bowler's initial ball and from that point the right-hander was on her way.

"A chance to play and face the challenge with her and simply enjoy myself that way, kind of motivated me," said Healy.

She reached fifty in 35 pitches - her quickest at the World Cup - and her ton in 84 as she attacked short-pitched balls, striking 21 boundaries and three big hits.

Once she was out her side needed 66 additional runs at run per delivery - an achievable target now needing a comfortable finish.

"Chasing 330 runs is uncharted waters so I'm pleased we have the assurance to achieve that now," continued Healy.

"Hopefully we don't have to do it again but, if necessary, we believe we can achieve it."

Those words will be the final thing Australia's opponents at this tournament should hear.

In recent days a feeling they will triumph from any situation has become more firm - this success coming after success over Pakistan by 107-run victory despite struggling at 76-7 at one point.

Next Australia play Bangladesh before an encounter with longtime competitors England in Indore in ten days, by which point a semi-final berth may likely be confirmed.

It was at that stage they left last year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - a game Healy was absent due to damaged tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the first time at a major tournament.

So strong is her resolve, she subsequently stated she wanted to have participated with the discomfort.

But while she later admitted those physical issues have postponed plans to retire, this tournament is expected to be her last as captain in ODI cricket and she is yet to win an international tournament as leader.

Triumph in India would bring her to the top of her final mountain.