Australia Sets a New Benchmark as Captain Alyssa Healy Confronts Her Ultimate Challenge.

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

The top summits have long been mastered.

This is the squad that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to an additional six T20 titles, and once went nearly four years undefeated in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, targeted by the peak baggers, are the only things left for a squad that has accomplished all there is.

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It needed until Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase exceeding 300, taking back their record for the largest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, in truth, a tribute to the bowling attack that have sported the yellow jersey over the past 50 years.

It is hard for their hitters to possess a record if not afforded the possibility.

Ultimately, the consequence of Australia giving up 330 runs was skipper Alyssa Healy being given a chance to create her latest masterpiece.

Then best known as the young family member of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her country failed to win either of the T20 or ODI World Cups from the prior year and has witnessed all through 15 trophy-laden years since.

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

The determined wicketkeeper was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India temporarily stopped the successful run.

That loss "pushed us to reevaluate our levels," Healy stated recently.

At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the final and was declared player of the series. She ensured her country would not fall short again.

Whether this latest epic knock topped that previous effort is debatable.

Some will argue the case for the pressure of a final. Different voices suggest with the test that comes when facing a record target and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

What is certain is this century was much more difficult to predict.

The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 came as she was the highest scorer, but this performance came after six matches in India over the past few weeks in which she had been unable to reach 30.

"For those following me in practice sessions, it's been a frustrating experience because I feel like I've had no rhythm whatsoever," stated Healy.

"But once you take the field, your competitive instincts take over and you completely engage with the match."

Healy's fighting spirit has continuously been her major advantage - and a priceless quality in taking over from legendary former captain Meg Lanning.

She was troubled by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, out to the emerging pace bowler in every game, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's motivation.

One run resulted off Gaud's first delivery and after that the batsman was in motion.

"A chance to go out there and face the challenge with her and just have a bit of fun in that aspect, kind of motivated me," commented Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 balls - her fastest at the World Cup - and her hundred in 84 as she punished short deliveries, hitting 21 fours and three big hits.

Once she was dismissed the team needed 66 more at one run per ball - a manageable total now requiring a leisurely stroll.

"Chasing 330 runs is unfamiliar ground so I'm pleased we have the assurance to achieve that now," stated Healy further.

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

Those words will be the final thing rival teams at this championship should hear.

Over the past five days a belief they will succeed regardless of circumstances has grown stronger - this triumph following success over Pakistan by 107 runs 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 last-four spot may likely be confirmed.

During that phase they exited the prior year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - a match Healy missed because of damaged tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the initial instance at a major tournament.

So great is her will, she subsequently stated she regretted not playing with the discomfort.

However although she later admitted those physical issues have delayed thoughts of retirement, this tournament is likely to be her final tournament as skipper in one-day cricket and she is hasn't yet secured an international tournament as captain.

Triumph in India would lead her to the peak of her final mountain.