“Glenn Maxwell smashed the quickest century in World Cup history, taking just 40 balls to reach the milestone. This incredible performance propelled Australia to a massive 309-run victory over the Netherlands in New Delhi this Wednesday. Maxwell’s feat surpassed the previous record held by South Africa’s Aiden Markram, who scored a century in 49 balls against Sri Lanka at the same venue earlier in the tournament.”
Maxwell hit Bas de Leede for a series of two fours and three sixes in a row, achieving an incredible feat before he was out, scoring 106 runs off just 44 balls. His explosive innings included nine fours and eight sixes, helping Australia amass a colossal total of 399-8. The Netherlands could only manage 99 runs in 21 overs.
David Warner, fresh off his 163-run knock against Pakistan, scored his second consecutive century in just 91 balls, including 11 fours and three sixes. His score of 104 set the stage for Australia’s dominant performance.
“Feeling pretty good about it,” Maxwell said. “I was feeling a bit worn out today, so I wasn’t expecting much. But it seems like that actually helped clear my head and allowed me to just go out there and play.”
“When Warner and Greeny (Cameron Green) were dismissed, it changed the game a bit for me,” said Maxwell.
Warner, a left-handed batsman, led the charge after Australia chose to bat first. Despite losing Mitchell Marsh early in the fourth over, Warner and Steve Smith fought back with a 132-run partnership against the Dutch team, who had previously upset South Africa in the tournament.
Smith scored his first fifty of the tournament before being dismissed for 71 by spinner Aryan Dutt. However, Warner continued to hold his ground, forming another solid 84-run partnership with Marnus Labuschagne.
Labuschagne scored a half-century before being dismissed for 62 by Bas de Leede. Warner celebrated his 22nd ODI century at a stadium where he had previously captained the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League.
Warner was eventually dismissed by Logan van Beek while attempting a paddle shot towards fine leg. Maxwell then took center stage, hitting a series of boundaries including three in one over off De Leede. Despite losing his partner Cameron Green to a run-out, Maxwell continued to dominate the opposition’s bowling attack.