The Australian Team Breaks New Ground as Healy Confronts Her Ultimate Challenge.

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

The greatest achievements have already been conquered.

This is the squad that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, along with another six T20 titles, and once went over three years undefeated in 50-over cricket.

The secondary achievements, the ones sought by the peak baggers, are all that remain for a team that has achieved everything.

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That it took up to Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to complete their first ODI chase above 300, reclaiming 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's challenging for their batters to hold a record if not provided the chance.

In the end, the outcome of Australia conceding 330 was skipper Alyssa Healy getting an opportunity to produce her newest gem.

Initially recognized as the 19-year-old niece of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after Australia didn't secure either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups held the previous year and has experienced everything through 15 successful years since.

A T20 championship victory happened three months after her debut and seven international trophies have followed from 10 efforts across formats.

The tough gloveman was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India temporarily stopped the winning streak.

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

At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the championship match and was awarded tournament MVP. She ensured her country would not fall short again.

Whether this recent magnificent innings topped that previous effort is debatable.

Certain people claim the reasoning behind the pressure of a final. Different voices suggest with the test that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.

What's definite is this century was considerably tougher to anticipate.

The Christchurch destruction in 2022 came as she led the batting statistics, but this innings was preceded by six games in India since the start of last month in which she had failed to pass 30.

"For those following me in the nets, it's been a challenging time because it appeared I've had no rhythm whatsoever," said Healy.

"However when you enter the playing area, your competitive instincts kick in and you simply focus on the contest."

Healy's fighting spirit has continuously been her major advantage - and an irreplaceable characteristic in succeeding iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.

She was challenged by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, dismissed by the young fast bowler in each encounter, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's inspiration.

A single came off the opening delivery and after that the batsman was on her way.

"The possibility to go out there and face the challenge with her and simply enjoy myself in that aspect, sort of got me going," commented Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 balls - her quickest at the World Cup - and her century in 84 deliveries while she flogged anything short, hitting 21 fours and three sixes.

Once she was removed Australia needed 66 more at one run per ball - an unconquered height now needing a comfortable finish.

"To chase 330 is uncharted waters so I'm happy we have the confidence to achieve that now," continued Healy.

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

That comment will be the last competing nations at this World Cup want to hear.

In recent days a sense they will triumph from any situation has become more firm - this success succeeding success over Pakistan by 107 runs despite sitting at 76-7 at one stage.

Following this Australia face Bangladesh before a match against longtime competitors England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a semi-final place may well be secure.

It was in the semi-finals they exited the prior year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - a match Healy was absent due to torn tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the initial instance at an important competition.

So great is her will, she subsequently stated she wanted to have participated despite the injury.

But while she subsequently acknowledged those physical issues have delayed consideration of ending her career, this championship is likely to be her final tournament as skipper in one-day cricket and she is still to achieve a world championship as captain.

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