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

It's difficult for the Australian squad to break new ground.

The greatest achievements have been successfully scaled.

This is the squad that has claimed seven Cricket World Cups, in addition to an additional six T20 titles, and earlier maintained nearly four years undefeated in 50-over cricket.

The alternative records, those for the record chasers, are the only things left for a team that has achieved everything.

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

The fact it required up to Sunday's three-wicket win over India for them to accomplish their maiden ODI chase over 300, reclaiming their record for the largest in the women's 50-over format, is, in truth, a compliment to the bowlers that have worn canary yellow over the last half-century.

It is hard for their batters to hold a record if not afforded the possibility.

Finally, the outcome of Australia allowing 330 runs was captain Alyssa Healy being given a chance to produce her newest gem.

Initially recognized as the 19-year-old niece of celebrated previous Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she first played in 2010 after her country failed to win either of the T20 or ODI World Cups conducted earlier and has witnessed all through 15 trophy-laden years since.

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

The tough gloveman was present as well in Derby in 2017 when a last-four loss by India momentarily interrupted the successful run.

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

At the subsequent ODI World Cup in New Zealand, Healy hit 170 against England in the final and was named player of the tournament. She made sure her country would not come up short.

If this newest brilliant performance exceeded that prior achievement is debatable.

Some will argue the reasoning behind the pressure of a final. Different voices suggest with the challenge that comes when facing a record target and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.

What's definite is this hundred was considerably tougher to predict.

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 came as she led the batting statistics, but this performance followed six innings in India over the past few weeks in which she had been unable to reach 30.

"For those following me in the nets, it was a frustrating experience because it appeared I've had no rhythm at all," said Healy.

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

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

She was troubled 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 motivation.

A single came off the opening delivery and from there Healy was on her way.

"An opportunity to play and lock in a contest with her and just have a bit of fun in that regard, sort of got me going," commented Healy.

She reached fifty in 35 deliveries - her swiftest at the global tournament - and her century in 84 as she punished short deliveries, striking 21 boundaries and three big hits.

When she was dismissed her side needed 66 more at run per delivery - a manageable total now demanding an easy conclusion.

"Chasing 330 runs is unfamiliar ground so I'm happy we have the belief to do that now," added Healy.

"Hopefully we don't have to do it again but, if we do, we believe we can succeed."

These statements will be the ultimate thing rival teams at this World Cup need to hear.

In recent days a sense they will win from any position has grown stronger - this victory coming after success over Pakistan by 107 runs despite being 76-7 at one point.

Next Australia play Bangladesh before an encounter with longtime competitors England in Indore in 10 days, by which point a semi-final place may probably be guaranteed.

During that phase they left the previous year's T20 World Cup in an unexpected loss by South Africa - an encounter Healy couldn't play because of damaged tissue in her foot as she led her country for the inaugural occasion at a major tournament.

Such is her determination, she afterwards commented she regretted not playing through the pain.

But while she afterwards confessed those injuries have delayed thoughts of retirement, this championship is likely to be her final tournament as skipper in 50-over cricket and she is still to achieve an international tournament as leader.

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