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

It's difficult for Australia to set fresh records.

The greatest achievements have been successfully scaled.

This is the team that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, plus an additional six T20 titles, and previously enjoyed over three years without defeat in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, those for the peak baggers, are what's still available for a side that has accomplished all there is.

• Healy's Hundred Helps Australia to Historic Pursuit
• Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 - Matches, Results & Statistics
• Tournament Standings, Top Run-Scorers & Wicket-Takers

The fact it required up to Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase over 300, reclaiming their record for the largest in the female 50-over format, is, in truth, a compliment to the bowlers that have worn canary yellow over five decades.

It's challenging for their hitters to hold a record if not afforded the chance.

Ultimately, the result of Australia conceding 330 was leader Alyssa Healy receiving a platform to produce her latest masterpiece.

Then best known as the young family member of famous ex Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after her nation couldn't capture either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups conducted earlier and has seen it all through 15 trophy-laden years since.

A T20 World Cup win happened three months after her first appearance and seven global championships have followed from 10 tries across formats.

The determined wicketkeeper was in attendance in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India temporarily stopped the run of success.

That loss "pushed us to reconsider our benchmarks," Healy commented earlier.

At the following one-day championship in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the final and was declared player of the series. She made sure her country would not fall short again.

The question of whether this recent magnificent innings exceeded that prior achievement can be debated.

Many contend the case for the pressure of a final. Others can counter with the test that comes when confronting a historic chase and an enthusiastic Indian fanbase of 20,000.

What's clear is this ton was considerably tougher to predict.

The Christchurch destruction in 2022 happened while she was the highest scorer, but this knock came after six matches in India since the start of last month in which she had been unable to reach 30.

"If you've been watching me in training, it's been a challenging time because it seemed my form was missing completely," said Healy.

"Yet the moment you take the field, your competitive nature kick in and you completely engage with the competition."

Healy's competitiveness has continuously been her great strength - and a priceless quality in taking over from iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.

She was tormented by India's promising player Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, out to the young fast bowler in each encounter, but this time it merely gave Healy's motivation.

A single came off the opening delivery and from that point the right-hander was in motion.

"A chance to play and engage in competition with her and merely enjoy the moment that way, somewhat inspired me," stated Healy.

She reached fifty in 35 balls - her fastest at the global tournament - and her century in 84 deliveries while she flogged anything short, hitting 21 fours and three maximums.

By the time she was removed her side needed 66 more at run per delivery - an achievable target now requiring a leisurely stroll.

"Pursuing 330 is new territory 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 necessary, we know we can succeed."

These statements will be the final thing rival teams at this tournament should hear.

Over the past five days a feeling they will succeed regardless of circumstances has become more firm - this victory coming after win against Pakistan by 107 run margin despite being 76-7 at one point.

Following this Australia face Bangladesh before a meeting with traditional opponents England in Indore in ten days, by which point a last-four spot may likely be confirmed.

It was at that stage they left the previous year's T20 World Cup in a shock defeat by South Africa - a match Healy couldn't play because of ruptured tissue in her foot as she captained her nation for the initial instance at an important competition.

Such is her determination, she later said she wished she had played with the discomfort.

But while she later admitted those injuries have delayed plans to retire, this tournament is expected to be her last as captain in ODI cricket and she is yet to win an international tournament as skipper.

Triumph in India would bring her to the top of her final mountain.