Glenn Maxwell creates history! Here's the list of fastest ODI World Cup hundreds

Glenn Maxwell's carnage with the bat against the Netherlands surely has announced Australia's thumping return to form. Pat Cummins' team registered a whopping 399 for the loss of 8 wickets in their fifth game in World Cup 2023 and to make things all the more special, they bundled out their opponents for a measly 90 in the second innings to secure a 309-run win. As a result, their net run rate sees a significant change and the Aussies are now placed in the fourth position in the race to the semi-finals.

All said, the focus still shines bright on Maxwell who now owns the world record for the fastest hundred in an ODI World Cup game. The Royal Challengers of Bengaluru batter smashed the ball around to secure his maiden hundred of the tournament in only 40 balls, making his knock an absolute sight to behold for everyone around. 

In the same vein, Glenn Maxwell has bettered the record set by the likes of AB De Villiers and Aiden Markram to take the top position on the list of top 5 fastest World Cup hundreds. Let's take a quick look at the five batters who feature on this list:

AB De Villiers

Everyone remembers Mr. 360's swashbuckling knock against the West Indies in the 2015 ODI World Cup, in which he smashed the ball around for a mesmerizing 52-ball hundred. Skipper AB De Villiers walked in when the scorecard read 146 for 3 but neither the stage nor the score deterred him from doing what he does best. ABD's explosive knock catapulted South Africa to 408 for 5 with him leaving the ground unbeaten at 162 in only 66 deliveries! Phew! South Africa beat West Indies by 257 runs.

Glenn Maxwell

It shouldn't come as a surprise that Maxwell features twice on this list. In the same 2015 World Cup, the Victoria batsman pulled out all the stops against Sri Lanka to score a supremely impressive 51-ball 100. He would help his team, which would go on to win the World Cup, to secure a 64-run win against the Lankans who, to their credit, did put on a good fight on the back of Kumar Sangakkara's hundred.

Kevin O'Brien

The Irish batter brought Bengaluru Chinnaswamy Stadium to its feet in 2011 when he scored a 50-ball hundred against Andrew Strauss' England. Luckily, Kevin O'Brien's hundred did not go in vain because he made sure to take his team over the line and chase down a hefty 327 set by the English. In hindsight, this has to be one of the most breathtaking knocks in the ODI World Cup history.

Aiden Markram

Only a few days ago, Aiden Markram's knock allowed South Africa to announce itself as one of the frontrunners to win the 2023 World Cup. Markram was at his elegant best against Sri Lanka as he put together a 49-ball hundred against them and helped the Proteas to register a 102-run win in their maiden game of the tournament.

Glenn Maxwell

And, of course, Glenn Maxwell tops the chart with his 40-ball hundred which comprised 9 fours and 8 sixes. The innings saw Maxi at his inventive best as he put together a masterclass of limited overs batting with an array of power shots, switch hits, deft touches and so much more. If you haven't caught this knock of his yet, waste no more time and check out the highlights ASAP.`