Glenn Maxwell, the Australian number six, left cricket fans in awe as he dismantled the Netherlands’ bowling attack during the Men’s Cricket World Cup in Delhi.
Maxwell’s extraordinary innings culminated in the final over, with a remarkable score of 106 runs off just 44 balls, featuring an impressive tally of nine fours and eight sixes.
What’s even more astonishing is that Maxwell achieved his century with one of those eight sixes, reaching this milestone in just 40 balls. This remarkable feat set a new world record for the fastest century in Men’s Cricket World Cup history.
Maxwell not only broke the record; he shattered it by nine balls, surpassing the previous best set by Aiden Markram earlier in the tournament.
Markram’s record-breaking century also occurred in Delhi, ending a record that had stood since Kevin O’Brien’s 50-ball century against England in 2011.
Maxwell’s inspired innings stands as the fastest century ever scored by an Australian in ODI cricket and ranks as the fourth fastest of all time. AB de Villiers’ 31-ball century against West Indies in 2015 still holds the top spot.
Maxwell reached his fifty in just 27 balls and then accelerated even more, taking a mere 13 deliveries to reach his century. It was a display of pure aggression and extraordinary skill.
Netherlands bowler Bas de Leede bore the brunt of Maxwell’s onslaught, conceding a staggering 115 runs in his ten overs, marking the most expensive figures in the history of men’s ODI cricket.
Most of Maxwell’s brilliant innings occurred while he had captain Pat Cummins at the other end. Their partnership was nothing short of spectacular, as they amassed 103 runs from 44 balls.
Cummins faced just eight deliveries during this time, contributing eight runs, while Maxwell hammered an astonishing 91 from 36 balls.
Maxwell’s magnificent effort propelled Australia to a commanding total of 399/8, leaving their opponents in disbelief. This historic innings will be remembered as a masterclass in death-over batting and an incredible moment in cricket history.
