Glenn Maxwell made history in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup by scoring the fastest century ever, complementing David Warner’s own century to lead Australia to a resounding victory over the Netherlands.
This victory, with a remarkable margin of 309 runs, is the largest in Men’s Cricket World Cup history and the second largest in ODIs.
Opting to bat first, Australia had a strong start with Warner and Steve Smith, posting 66/1 after the first powerplay in Delhi on Wednesday.
Australia’s top order continued to build on this foundation, with Warner (104) forming substantial partnerships with Smith (71) and Marnus Labuschagne (62).
However, the real fireworks were yet to come. Glenn Maxwell put on an astonishing display of aggressive batting, demolishing the Netherlands’ bowling attack and achieving the fastest century in Cricket World Cup history.
Maxwell’s hundred came from just 40 balls, a record-breaking nine balls faster than the previous best in the Cricket World Cup, featuring eight maximums.
Bas de Leede of the Netherlands suffered the most, conceding 115 runs in his ten overs, marking the most expensive figures in ODI history.
In the second innings, the Netherlands aimed to salvage some pride but struggled against the buoyant Australian bowlers, who dismantled their batting lineup in just 21 overs.
Adam Zampa delivered the standout performance, claiming four wickets for only eight runs in three overs. This made him the leading wicket-taker in the tournament. Australia’s commanding victory significantly improved their net run rate and solidified their position in the top four of the standings.
Australia chose to bat first after captain Pat Cummins won the toss. Despite having opener Travis Head available, the management decided not to include him in the XI, and all-rounder Marcus Stoinis was absent due to a calf injury, with Cameron Green taking his place.
The Netherlands retained the same XI that faced Sri Lanka on Saturday.
Netherlands began the match with spin, as Aryan Dutt opened the bowling. Warner and Marsh took an aggressive approach, quickly scoring boundaries and giving Australia a strong start.
Although Marsh departed early, Smith maintained the momentum, and Warner shifted to higher gears, scoring sixes and completing a half-century.
Warner had some luck, surviving missed run-out and catching opportunities. Netherlands made a breakthrough, but Smith continued to score quickly, building a solid platform for Australia.
Marnus Labuschagne faced an early blow but rebounded with a brisk half-century. Bas de Leede lured Labuschagne into a false stroke, and Josh Inglis departed quickly.
Warner secured his century, but soon after, he was out for 104, leaving the task to Glenn Maxwell and the Australian bowlers. Maxwell capitalized on the strong foundation and more. Netherlands faced a daunting target of 400 runs, and their hopes were crushed in the first 11 overs.
Australia’s bowlers removed Dutch batsmen, and Adam Zampa excelled with a fantastic four-wicket haul. The Dutch team was eventually bowled out for just 90 runs. Captain Scott Edwards was left stranded with 12*, and he will aim to motivate his team after a challenging encounter.
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