Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has broken South Africa batter Aiden Markram’s record for the fastest ODI World Cup century. The milestone came during their game against the Netherlands at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Wednesday, October 25. The right-handed batter slammed his ton off just 40 balls, going past Markram’s record for a 49-ball century.

He slammed three consecutive sixes to reach his landmark as the penultimate over by Bas de Leede yielded 28 runs. The middle-order batter smashed 26 runs off the bat.

Fastest 100s in World Cups (by balls faced)

1. 40 – Glenn Maxwell vs NED, Delhi, today*
2. 49 – Aiden Markram vs SL, Delhi 2023
3. 50 – Kevin O’Brien v ENG, Bengaluru 2011
4. 51 – Glenn Maxwell vs SL, Sydney 2015
5. 52 – AB de Villiers vs WI, Sydney 2015

Maxwell eventually finished with 106 runs off 44 deliveries, including eight sixes and nine boundaries. He departed in the last over caught by Sybrand Engelbrecht off Logan van Beek.

“Feels pretty good” – Glenn Maxwell reacts to his fastest World Cup ton

Glenn Maxwell was delighted to achieve the record for the fastest ton in the World Cup in front of his newborn kid and wife Vini Raman. Following the knock, he pointed out that his idea was to bat long. He said in the post-match show:

“Feels pretty good. I’ve been pretty cooked all day. Probably, just cleared my head a bit to just go out and play. The situation when Davey and Greeny got out, I had to take it deep a little bit. I was just trying to get it over the infield.”

He continued:

“We hit some pretty good shots and pierced the gaps and it was a rock-hard outfield. The ball seems to travel around a little bit. Nice to have them (wife and baby) here.”

Batting first, Australia posted 399/8 in their allotted 50 overs. Apart from Maxwell, David Warner also smashed 104 off 93, including three sixes and 11 boundaries. Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne also chipped in with scores of 71 (68) and 62 (47), respectively.

Logan van Beek starred with the ball, finishing with figures of 4/74, while Bas de Leede picked up two wickets (2/115). Aryan Dutt also settled for one wicket.

Australia will now look to complete a hat-trick of wins in the marquee ICC tournament.

Follow the AUS vs NED 2023 World Cup match live score and updates here.