Australia Sets a New Benchmark as Captain Alyssa Healy Confronts Her Ultimate Challenge.

It's tough for Australia to set fresh records.

The highest peaks 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 nearly four years without defeat in 50-over cricket.

The remaining milestones, targeted by the peak baggers, are all that remain for a team that has accomplished all there is.

• Healy's Hundred Assists Australia to Unprecedented Chase
• Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 - Matches, Results & Statistics
• Women's World Cup Table, Leading Batsmen & Leading Bowlers

That it took as late as Sunday's success by three wickets over India for them to achieve their initial ODI chase over 300, reclaiming their record for the highest in the women's 50-over format, is, frankly, a compliment to the bowling attack that have worn canary yellow over the last half-century.

It's difficult for their hitters to possess a record if not provided the chance.

Ultimately, the result of Australia conceding 330 was leader Alyssa Healy being given an opportunity to deliver her newest gem.

Originally famous as the 19-year-old niece of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she made her debut in 2010 after her nation couldn't capture either of the T20 or ODI World Cups from the prior year and has seen it all through 15 trophy-laden years since.

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

The determined wicketkeeper was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final setback by India momentarily interrupted the run of success.

That loss "drove us to reevaluate our levels," Healy commented earlier.

At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy scored 170 against England in the championship match and was awarded tournament MVP. She guaranteed her country would not fail again.

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

Certain people claim the reasoning behind the pressure of a final. Some might respond with the challenge that comes when confronting a historic chase and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.

What's definite is this ton was much more difficult to predict.

The New Zealand onslaught in 2022 came as she was the highest scorer, but this innings was preceded by six games in India from the beginning of the previous month in which she had been unable to reach 30.

"For those following me in the nets, it's been a challenging time because it appeared I lacked timing whatsoever," commented Healy.

"However when you step out on the field, your competitive nature kick in and you completely engage with the competition."

Healy's competitiveness has continuously been her great strength - and an irreplaceable characteristic in succeeding iconic ex-skipper Meg Lanning.

She was challenged by India's emerging talent Kranti Gaud in last month's ODI series, out to the emerging pace bowler in every game, but on this occasion it simply offered Healy's motivation.

One run resulted off Gaud's first delivery and from there Healy was in motion.

"A chance to take the field and lock in a contest with her and simply enjoy myself that way, kind of motivated me," stated Healy.

She reached fifty in 35 pitches - her swiftest at the global tournament - and her century in 84 balls as she attacked short-pitched balls, striking 21 boundaries and three maximums.

When she was out Australia needed 66 additional runs at one run per ball - a manageable total now demanding an easy conclusion.

"To chase 330 is unfamiliar ground so I'm happy 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 are confident we can do it."

These statements will be the ultimate thing competing nations at this tournament want to hear.

During the last week a sense they will win from any position has grown stronger - this victory coming after win against Pakistan by 107 run margin despite sitting at 76-7 at one point.

Subsequently Australia meet Bangladesh before a meeting with traditional opponents England in Indore in a week and a half, by which point a semi-final berth may probably be guaranteed.

During that phase they exited the prior year's T20 World Cup in a surprising setback by South Africa - an encounter Healy couldn't play because of damaged tissue in her foot as she guided Australia for the first time at a significant event.

Such is her determination, she later said she wanted to have participated with the discomfort.

However although she afterwards confessed those physical issues have delayed thoughts of retirement, this tournament is likely to be her last as captain in one-day cricket and she is still to achieve a world championship as captain.

Triumph in India would lead her to the peak of her final mountain.