The Australian Team Sets a New Benchmark as Captain Alyssa Healy Has One Peak Left to Climb.

It's difficult for the Australian squad to set fresh records.

The greatest achievements have already been conquered.

This is the team that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, along with six more T20 titles, and earlier maintained 1,294 days unbeaten in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, the ones sought by the peak baggers, are all that remain for a side that has achieved everything.

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It needed as late as Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase exceeding 300, taking back their record for the biggest in the women's 50-over format, is, in truth, a compliment to the bowling attack that have represented Australia over the last half-century.

It's challenging for their batters to hold a record if not provided the opportunity.

Ultimately, the consequence of Australia conceding 330 was captain Alyssa Healy being given a platform to deliver her newest gem.

Then best known as the young family member of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her country didn't secure either of the T20 or ODI World Cups conducted earlier and has seen it all through 15 trophy-laden years since.

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

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

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

At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the title decider and was awarded tournament MVP. She ensured her country would not come up short.

The question of whether this latest epic knock exceeded that prior achievement is debatable.

Some will argue the reasoning behind final game tension. Some might respond with the test that comes when pursuing an unprecedented total and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.

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

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 occurred when she topped the run-scoring charts, but this innings followed six innings in India since the start of last month in which she had been unable to reach 30.

"If you've observed me in practice sessions, it's been a frustrating experience because I feel like I lacked timing at all," commented Healy.

"But once you take the field, your fighting spirit kick in and you completely engage with the match."

Healy's competitiveness has always been her key asset - and an irreplaceable characteristic in succeeding iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.

She was troubled by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in the previous month's ODI series, dismissed by the young fast bowler in every game, but this time it merely gave Healy's motivation.

A single was taken off the bowler's initial ball and from there the right-hander was underway.

"A chance to take the field and engage in competition with her and simply enjoy myself that way, somewhat inspired me," said Healy.

She reached fifty in 35 deliveries - her swiftest at the World Cup - and her century in 84 as she punished short deliveries, hitting 21 fours and three sixes.

When she was removed Australia needed 66 more at one run per ball - an achievable target now requiring a leisurely stroll.

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

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

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

In recent days a belief they will succeed regardless of circumstances has become more firm - this success following win against Pakistan by 107-run victory despite sitting at 76-7 at one point.

Next Australia play Bangladesh before a meeting with old rivals England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a last-four spot may likely be confirmed.

During that phase they were eliminated from last year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - a match Healy was absent due to damaged tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the inaugural occasion at a major tournament.

Such is her determination, she later said she regretted not playing despite the injury.

But while she afterwards confessed those injuries have pushed back plans to retire, this tournament is expected to be her last as captain in ODI cricket and she is yet to win a global event as captain.

Victory in India would lead her to the peak of her ultimate challenge.