The Australian Team Sets a New Benchmark as Captain Alyssa Healy Confronts Her Ultimate Challenge.

It's tough for Australia to set fresh records.

The top summits have been successfully scaled.

We're talking about the team that has secured seven Cricket World Cups, along with an additional six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed 1,294 days undefeated in 50-over cricket.

The remaining milestones, those for the peak baggers, are all that remain for a team that has won it all.

• Healy's Ton Assists Australia to Historic Pursuit
• ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Schedule, Outcomes & Details
• Tournament Standings, Top Run-Scorers & Leading Bowlers

It needed up to Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to complete their first ODI chase over 300, taking back their record for the biggest in the women's 50-over format, is, in truth, a tribute to the pitchers that have worn canary yellow over five decades.

It's challenging for their batsmen to possess a record if never given the possibility.

Finally, the consequence of Australia conceding 330 was leader Alyssa Healy receiving an opportunity to deliver her latest masterpiece.

Originally famous as the 19-year-old niece of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her nation couldn't capture either of the T20 or ODI World Cups conducted earlier and has witnessed all through 15 championship-filled years since.

Success in the T20 World Cup arrived three months after her first appearance and seven international trophies have followed from 10 attempts across formats.

The tough gloveman was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India momentarily interrupted the run of success.

That loss "pushed us to rethink our standards," Healy stated recently.

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

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

Many contend the argument supporting the pressure of a final. Different voices suggest with the test that comes when confronting a historic chase and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.

What is certain is this ton was far harder to predict.

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 came as she was the highest scorer, but this innings followed six innings in India over the past few weeks in which she had failed to pass 30.

"For those following me in practice sessions, it was a challenging time because it appeared I lacked timing whatsoever," stated Healy.

"But once you step out on the field, your competitive instincts take over and you just lock into the match."

Healy's competitive nature has always been her key asset - and a priceless quality in replacing legendary former captain Meg Lanning.

She was troubled by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in recent ODI series, dismissed by the 22-year-old seamer in every game, but this time it merely gave Healy's motivation.

A single came off the opening delivery and after that the batsman was underway.

"The possibility to play and face the challenge with her and just have a bit of fun in that aspect, somewhat inspired me," stated Healy.

She got to fifty in 35 balls - her swiftest at the World Cup - and her hundred in 84 deliveries while she punished short deliveries, scoring 21 fours and three maximums.

Once she was removed the team needed 66 additional runs at run per delivery - an achievable target now demanding an easy conclusion.

"To chase 330 is new territory so I'm happy we have the belief to accomplish that now," stated Healy further.

"Hopefully we don't have to do it another time but, if necessary, we know we can achieve it."

These statements will be the ultimate thing Australia's opponents at this World Cup want to hear.

During the last week a feeling they will win from any position has grown stronger - this triumph succeeding win against Pakistan by 107 run margin despite sitting at 76-7 at one stage.

Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before an encounter with traditional opponents England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final berth may well be secure.

It was at that stage they exited the previous year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat 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 great is her will, she subsequently stated she regretted not playing through the pain.

However although she subsequently acknowledged those fitness problems have postponed plans to retire, this World Cup is likely to be her concluding event as leader in one-day cricket and she is still to achieve a world championship as skipper.

Victory in India would take her to the summit of her ultimate challenge.