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

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

The greatest achievements have long been mastered.

We're talking about the unit that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, plus six more T20 titles, and previously enjoyed over three years unbeaten in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, those for the record chasers, are all that remain for a side that has achieved everything.

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It needed up to Sunday's victory by three wickets over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase exceeding 300, regaining their record for the largest in women's cricket's 50-over format, is, frankly, a tribute to the bowling attack that have represented Australia over five decades.

It's difficult for their hitters to possess a record if never given the chance.

Finally, the outcome of Australia conceding 330 was skipper Alyssa Healy receiving a chance to create her latest masterpiece.

Initially recognized as the young family member of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her nation failed to win either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups from the prior year and has witnessed all through 15 championship-filled years since.

Success in the T20 World Cup came three months after her debut and seven world titles have followed from 10 attempts across formats.

The determined wicketkeeper was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India momentarily interrupted the run of success.

That loss "motivated us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy said this week.

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

Whether this recent magnificent innings surpassed that earlier display is debatable.

Many contend the case for final game tension. 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 ton was considerably tougher to see coming.

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 occurred when she was the highest scorer, but this performance was preceded by six games in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had failed to pass 30.

"If you've been watching me in training, it has been a challenging time because I feel like I've had no rhythm at all," said Healy.

"Yet the moment you enter the playing area, your fighting spirit kick in and you simply focus on the contest."

Healy's fighting spirit has always been her great strength - and an invaluable trait in replacing famous previous leader Meg Lanning.

She was challenged by India's rising star Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, dismissed by the young fast bowler in all three matches, but here that only provided Healy's inspiration.

A single was taken off Gaud's first delivery and from that point Healy was on her way.

"A chance to play and lock in a contest with her and just have a bit of fun in that regard, somewhat inspired me," said Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 pitches - her fastest at a World Cup - and her hundred in 84 deliveries while she attacked short-pitched balls, hitting 21 fours and three maximums.

Once she was dismissed the team needed 66 more at run per delivery - an unconquered height now demanding an easy conclusion.

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

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

That comment will be the last Australia's opponents at this championship need to hear.

Over the past five days a belief they will succeed regardless of circumstances has only strengthened - this triumph coming after victory 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 ten days, by which point a semi-final berth may well be secure.

During that phase they exited the prior year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - a game Healy missed because of ruptured tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the initial instance at a major tournament.

So strong is her resolve, she subsequently stated she regretted not playing through the pain.

But while she subsequently acknowledged those fitness problems have delayed thoughts of retirement, this tournament is expected to be her last as captain in one-day cricket and she is hasn't yet secured a world championship as leader.

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