Maxwell’s knock, laced with eight fours and eight sixes, bettered the record of South Africa’s Aiden Markram who blasted a century off 49 balls against Sri Lanka earlier in the tournament at the same venue. Maxwell was eventually out for 106 off 44 balls to van Beek.
Australia skipper Pat Cummins won the toss and opted to bat in their World Cup match against Netherlands. Australia have made one change with Cameron Green replacing Marcus Stoinis.
Australia scored 399/8 in 50 overs. David Warner (104) also hit a century. Steve Smith (71) and Marnus Labuschagne (62) chipped in with half-centuries to set a big target for Netherlands.
Maxwell’s 40-ball hundred is the fourth fastest century in men’s ODI cricket. South Africa’s AB de Villiers holds the record of fastest ODI century, when he reached the landmark in just 31 balls against West Indies in 2015.
New Zealand’s CJ Anderson holds the record of second fastest ODI century when he reached triple-figure mark in 36 balls against West Indies in Queenstown in 2014. Former Pakistan all-rounder in 1996 hit a century off 37 balls against Sri Lanka in Nairobi to be the third fastest ever. In a chat with broadcasters, Maxwell said: “Just about getting a read of the bowler. For those who bowl quick, my hands have to be faster. Some may go for six but generally I’m trying to get it just over the infield. Netherlands saved a couple of certain boundaries. Could’ve been a better score but they were outstanding in the field. The ball seems to travel here.”
Warner and Maxwell’s carnage meant Netherlands fast-bowling all-rounder Bas de Leede now holds the record of bowling the most expensive ODI spell in history, with his figures of 2-115 in ten overs going past the 113 runs conceded by Mick Lewis and Adam Zampa.
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