Markram’s record is destroyed by Maxwell with the fastest century in ODI World Cup history.

Glenn Maxwell obliterated Aiden Markram’s record for the fastest century in ODI World Cup history with a blistering 40-ball knock against the Netherlands in Delhi on Wednesday.

Despite entering the fray in the 40th over, Glenn Maxwell not only reached his century, but he also shattered the record by nine balls with a menacing display of power hitting.

Maxwell raced to his half-century in just 26 balls, then reached the century mark in a further 14 deliveries, peppering the boundary with nine fours and eight sixes along the way.

Maxwell revealed that he was feeling unwell when he walked out to bat after breaking the world record.

“I was exhausted all day, but I cleared my head and went out to play. When Davey and Greeny got out, I knew I had to dig deep,” Maxwell said.

Maxwell explained how he was able to play outrageous ramp shots even against bowlers who were digging the ball into the pitch: **

“I feel like I have enough time to go after those balls, even if they’re bouncing into the wicket. And when the bowlers are bowling quickly, my hands have to be quicker. I just try to generally get it over the infield.”

After a sedate start that saw Mitchell Marsh dismissed in the fourth over, Steve Smith joined David Warner at the crease and the pair forged a classy partnership before Smith was felled by a stunning catch from Van der Merwe.

Warner continued his sparkling form, smashing his second consecutive century of the tournament and sixth overall, proving that he remains one of the best white-ball batters in the world.

While wickets fell in clumps for the five-time champions in the middle overs, Maxwell’s blitzkrieg ensured that Australia posted a mammoth total of 399 on the board.

Playing XIs: 

Australia:

• David Warner
• Mitchell Marsh
• Steven Smith
• Marnus Labuschagne
• Josh Inglis (wicket-keeper)
• Glenn Maxwell
• Cameron Green
• Pat Cummins (captain)
• Mitchell Starc
• Josh Hazlewood
• Adam Zampa

Netherlands:

• Vikramjit Singh
• Max O’Dowd
• Colin Ackermann
• Bas de Leede
• Teja Nidamanuru
• Scott Edwards (captain and wicket-keeper)
• Sybrand Engelbrecht
• Logan van Beek
• Roelof van der Merwe
• Aryan Dutt
• Paul van Meekeren