Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell made history on Wednesday, defying all laws of physics, smashing the fastest century in the history of the ICC Cricket World Cup.
Maxwell etched his name into the record books during the World Cup clash against the Netherlands at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium.
Maxwell clobbered a full toss, chest-high delivery from Bas de Leede, sending it soaring over fine leg for a maximum, thus securing the title of the fastest century in the history of the renowned 50-overs tournament.
Stepping up to the crease in the 40th over, Maxwell displayed remarkable finesse as he effortlessly found gaps in the field. His batting display turned into a spectacular six-hitting spree towards the latter part of the innings, resulting in the fastest century ever recorded in the history of the Cricket World Cup, achieved in just 40 balls. His explosive innings culminated at 106 runs from 44 deliveries, which included nine fours and eight monstrous sixes.
The 35-year-old batsman swiftly raced to 35 runs from just 21 deliveries, showcasing his aggressive intent. However, it was in the 46th over that when he truly highlighted his exceptional batting skills. Facing pacer Paul van Meekeren, Maxwell exploited a full delivery that missed its intended mark, executing a reverse-sweep that sent the ball racing to the third man boundary. Shane Watson’s on-air exclamation of “outrageous” captured the audacity of the shot. The very next delivery was dispatched for a six with a powerful pull shot, and the subsequent over, bowled by Bas de Leede, witnessed even more carnage. He pulled off yet another reverse switch-hit, this time sending the ball soaring over the boundary for a maximum, marking his half-century. In an almost unbelievable sequence, just two balls later, he repeated the same audacious stroke, resulting in another six, and it became clear that the Netherlands’ chances were quickly disintegrating.
Maxwell’s tremendous innings broke the record of South African batter Aiden Markram, who had smashed a 49-ball hundred against Sri Lanka at the same venue to outdo Ireland’s Kevin O’Brien’s 50-ball century against England in 2011.
Coming to the match, Australia won the toss and elected to bat first, posting a gigantic total of 399/8 in their allotted 50 overs. Maxwell (106) and David Warner (104 off 93 balls, including 11 fours and three sixes) spearheaded the aggressive charge with their centuries. Supporting them, Steve Smith contributed 71 runs from 68 balls, comprising nine fours and six, while Marnus Labuschagne added 62 runs in 47 balls, featuring seven fours and two sixes, securing their half-centuries.
Chasing a whooping 400 runs, The Netherlands’ batting lineup seemed overwhelmed by the strength of the Australian bowling attack and crumbled within a mere 21 overs. A mere five Dutch players reached double-digit scores before the team was dismissed for a paltry total of 90 runs, marking the second-largest defeat in terms of runs in the history of One Day Internationals.
