Glenn Maxwell scored his first one-day international hundred and Shane Watson posted a career-reviving half-century to steer Australia to a commanding total of 376 for nine in Sunday’s Cricket World Cup Pool A match against Sri Lanka. The Australians, needing a win to avoid a likely detour back to New Zealand during the knockout stage, won the toss and batted but quickly slipped to 41-2. Steve Smith (72) and skipper Michael Clarke (68) led the recovery in a 134-run third-wicket stand to lift the total to 175 before both fell within five balls. That’s when the fireworks started, with Maxwell belting 102 from 53 balls – narrowly missing a tournament record for fastest hundred – in a 160-run stand with Watson, who was out in the penultimate over for 67. — Sydney, Mar 8 (AP/UNB)
