Aayush Pathak 
In a heartwarming and breathtaking moment during the ODI World Cup 2023, Glenn Maxwell etched his name in the record books by slamming the fastest century in the history of the World Cup. Playing against the Netherlands at New Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium, Maxwell’s extraordinary innings was not only a cricketing spectacle but also a dedication to his Indian wife and their recently born child.
Australia’s Positive Start
Australia, led by captain Pat Cummins, chose to bat first, and the innings began with David Warner displaying a flurry of boundaries. Unfortunately, Warner’s opening partner, Mitchell Marsh, was dismissed early. The talented Steven Smith, batting at number three, quickly found his rhythm, and both batsmen capitalized on loose deliveries, setting a solid foundation for the team. However, Smith’s departure at 71 seemed like a momentary setback.
Warner, who had been given a second chance when he was on 32, made sure to make the Netherlands pay for their missed opportunity. Despite facing a shortage of strike when he was in the 90s, Warner went on to register yet another century in World Cup cricket, further cementing his reputation as a formidable batsman. At 244-2, Australia looked poised for a substantial total, but a slump to 290-6 threatened to derail their innings.
The Big Show’s Heroics
It was at this critical juncture that Glenn Maxwell stepped onto the field and delivered an absolute masterclass with his aggressive batting against the Dutch bowlers. Whether it was the conventional hitting or the unorthodox shots, Maxwell displayed a remarkable array of strokes, dismantling the opposition with ease. His onslaught was nothing short of phenomenal, as he etched his name in history with the fastest-ever century in the ODI World Cup, achieving the milestone in just 40 balls.
Maxwell’s fifty came off a mere 26 deliveries, setting the stage for his breathtaking century. The 48th and 49th overs went for 21 and 28 runs, respectively, as Maxwell’s blitzkrieg left the Netherlands bowlers helpless. While Warner and Smith had already laid a solid foundation, it was Maxwell who stole the spotlight with his ‘Big Show.’
Records and Acknowledgments
Notably, Glenn Maxwell‘s lightning-fast century was a remarkable dedication to his Indian wife and their newborn child. Maxwell’s wife hails from South India, adding an emotional touch to his sensational performance.
Logan van Beek emerged as the most successful bowler for the Netherlands, claiming four wickets, while Bas de Leede, who conceded 115 runs, managed to secure two wickets. Despite a momentary wobble in the Australian innings, Maxwell’s blazing century powered them to a colossal total.
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