Glenn Maxwell struck a century in double-quick time to propel Australia to 376-9 in this morning's World Cup meeting against Sri Lanka.
The all-rounder failed to hit the quickest ever hundred at the tournament, although having reached 102 off 51 balls with 10 boundaries and four sixes, he became the fastest Aussie to reach three figures in a one-day international as the Lions were set a formidable target at the SCG.
Openers Aaron Finch (24) and David Warner (9) struggled to get going, with the latter falling to some impressive bowling from Lasith Malinga, while Finch was undone by Seekkuge Prasanna.
That left the tournament co-hosts stranded on 41-2 from their first nine overs, but Steve Smith (72) and Michael Clarke (68) put together a strong 134-run partnership for the third wicket.
After they both fell, Maxwell stepped up alongside Shane Watson (67) to rack up the runs and push Australia to a strong score.
Ireland's Kevin O'Brien still holds the record for the quickest ever World Cup century, though, which came against England in Bangalore four years ago.
Daniel Lewis
