Australia vs Netherlands: Glenn Maxwell hits fastest World Cup century as records tumble in huge win
Glenn Maxwell smashed the fastest-ever Cricket World Cup century to help fire Australia to a record-breaking 309-run victory over the Netherlands.
The 35-year-old reached three figures off just 40 deliveries, beating the previous 49-ball record set by South Africa's Aiden Markram earlier this tournament.
Maxwell hammered eight sixes and nine fours in his 53-minute onslaught, after David Warner had earlier scored a 93-ball 104, as Australia posted a formidable 399 for eight off their 50 overs.
They then bowled the Dutch out for 90 to register the biggest-ever win by runs at a World Cup, which strengthens their chances of making the last four in India.
The Netherlands, who have a win over South Africa to their name, might have had optimism of restrict their powerhouse opponents after getting rid of Mitchell Marsh early on, but Warner posted his second successive century at the tournament while Steven Smith added 71 and Marnus Labuschagne scored 62 before Maxwell's late fireworks.
The Dutch bowlers went around the park, as Bas de Leede conceded an ODI record of 115 runs, while Logan van Beek picked up four for 74. Maxwell's knock was the fourth-fastest century in ODI history.
"It's probably something I didn't set out to do. I just tried to get a good platform," Maxwell said.
"On this ground, you can cash in and it was nice to get a bit of rhythm finally and hit a few out of the middle of the bat. It's a huge confidence boost, a few doubts creep in when you haven't got runs.
"It's like a perfect game, when you get 400 and bowl a team out for under 100. We've had three good wins now and will look to build on that momentum."
Only one team has ever chased 400 in a 50-over match and there was never any danger of the Netherlands doubling the tally, as they slipped to 53 for four in the 11th over and consistently lost wickets in testing conditions.
Adam Zampa cleaned things up at the end, taking four for eight in just three overs, with Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Marsh sharing the other wickets.
Additional reporting by PA Sport.
