A RECORD-BREAKING performance from all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, a masterclass from opener David Warner and a late appearance from Adam Zampa combined to steer Australia to a 309-run win over the Netherlands in the ODI World Cup.

Maxwell smashed the fastest century in World Cup history, powering home to 106 runs in just 46 deliveries, taking just 40 balls to bring up triple figures. Coming in to bat at six, Australia had already been placed in a winning position by the efforts of Warner, who posted a hundred of his own. However, Maxwell came in and was as aggressive as ever at the crease, producing boundary-after-boundary in a Man of the Match performance.

Australian capation Pat Cummins won the toss and chose to bat on a sunny day at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Dehli. The Aussies’ intent was clear from the start, with both Warner and Mitch Marsh punching deliveries to the boundary. Marsh skied a hook shot and was dismissed on single figures, but Warner and Steve Smith (71 off 68) put on a 132-run stand to put Australia well and truly in control of the match.

Warner was on from the beginning of the match, pushing four consecutive shots through cover, with all finding the boundary as a result. The left-hander brought up the ton in 91 balls, his second consecutive score in triple figures in an excellent patch of form for the veteran.

Marnus Lasbuchagne (62 off 47) played his part as well, before he and Josh Inglis were dismissed, and Maxwell came out to the crease.

Just 18 days after South Africa’s Aiden Markram set the record with a 49-ball ton against Sri Lanka at the same stadium, Maxwell topped that feat by nine deliveries. He played some ridiculous shots down both sides of the ground, taking advantage of the shorter boundary to smash nine fours and eight sixes in a masterful display of power hitting.

Whether it was spin or pace, Maxwell saw the ball superbly, and put plenty of power behind each hit to find the boundary with ease. He was able to hit multiple reverse shots for six down leg side in a remarkable display of shot selection and timing. He was particularly damaging when facing Bas de Leede, with Maxwell delivering 28 off the former’s last over alone. The All-Rounder’s performance steered Australia to a score of 399.

Things did not start well for the Dutch, who lost both their openers inside the first six overs as Australia’s quicks struck. Although the top order was able to play some strong shots, no one was out there long enough to make a big enough impact on the scoreboard.

Zampa ripped through the bottom order, taking 4/8 from three overs and putting the finishing touches on the match. He brought plenty of turn and consistently trapped the Netherlands’ batsmen, claiming two lbw. dismissals.

The Netherlands were bowled out for 90, as Australia produced the biggest win in World Cup history, and emphatically stormed back into contention to win the entire tournament. The Aussies will take on New Zealand on Saturday night.

Australia 8/399 (50) def. Netherlands 90 (21)

FIRST INNINGS

Australia – Maxwell 106 (44), Warner 104 (93), Smith 71 (68)
Netherlands – Van Beek 4/74 (10), De Leede 2/115 (10), Dutt 1/59 (7)

SECOND INNINGS

Netherlands – Singh 25 (25), Nidamanuru 14 (18), Edwards 12 (22)
Australia – Zampa 4/8 (3), Marsh 2/19 (4), Cummins 1/14 (4)