Glenn Maxwell scored the second-fastest century in World Cup history as Australia secured their place in the quarter-finals with an exciting 64-run win over Sri Lanka . Maxwell brought up his maiden one-day international hundred off 51 balls , one more than Kevin O'Brien took during Ireland 's famous win over England four years ago , as Australia ran up a daunting 376 for nine batting first in Sydney . Maxwell struck 10 fours and four sixes in his 102 while Steve Smith ( 72 ) , captain Michael Clarke ( 68 ) and Shane Watson ( 67 ) were also among the runs as the tournament co-hosts made hay after winning the toss at the SCG . Glenn Maxwell celebrates his century during the Cricket World Cup match between Australia and Sri Lanka . Brad Haddin keeps wicket during the match between Australia and Sri Lanka at Sydney Cricket Ground . Xavier Doherty takes a catch in the outfield during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup match in Sydney , Australia . However , Sri Lanka refused to go down without a fight and , despite losing Lahiru Thirimanne in the second over , they remained well in contention as the indefatigable Kumar Sangakkara became the first player to notch three consecutive centuries at a World Cup . The 37-year-old Sangakkara , who is retiring from ODI cricket after the tournament , scored 104 off 107 balls to follow up his tons against England and Bangladesh . Tillakaratne Dilshan , who hit Mitchell Johnson for six successive fours in the same over during his 62 , and Dinesh Chandimal also clubbed quickfire half-centuries as Sri Lanka sought what would have been the third highest successful run chase in ODI history . Angelo Mathews of Sri Lanka bats during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup match at Sydney Cricket Ground . Shane Watson celebrates taking the wicket of Angelo Mathews during the match between against Sri Lanka . Maxwell gestures to the crowd during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup match against Sri Lanka . Australian teammates congratulate Watson after he got a wicket during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup match . With nine overs to go they were actually ahead of Australia 's score at the same stage having reached 280 for four , but they immediately saw Chandimal retire hurt and that signalled the end of their challenge . Chandimal had blazed 52 off just 24 balls but he was struggling with a what looked to be a hamstring injury and was unable to continue . Once he departed , Sri Lanka subsided to 312 for nine and - with Chandimal not reappearing - Australia were able to celebrate their third victory in Group A and a place in the last eight . Mahela Jayawardene of Sri Lanka is run out by Michael Clarke of Australia at Sydney Cricket Ground . Dinesh Chandimal bats during the match between Australia and Sri Lanka at Sydney Cricket Ground . Australia captain Michael Clarke misses a catch from Tillakaratne Dilshan during the match . Earlier it was man of the match Maxwell who provided the fireworks as Australia ran up another mammoth total at this year 's tournament . He had a life on 95 when Sangakkara spilled a steepling catch running back , but still looked on course to claim O'Brien 's World Cup record for the fastest ton . However , Maxwell - who admitted after the match he was not aware what the record was - just missed out before seeing his power-packed stay at the crease ended soon after by Thisara Perera . His innings proved the difference in the end though , as Sri Lanka 's valiant run chase fell short despite Sangakkara 's record-breaking ton . Kumar Sangakkara and Shane Watson of Australia collide during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup match . James Faulkner missing a run out chance of Chandimal during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup match .
they secured their place in the quarter - finals with a convincing victory . Glenn ##ett starred as the hosts saw off Sri Lanka in reply . Maxwell scored the second - fastest century in Sri Cup history . Sri Lanka chased hard , but their valiant run chase fell short .