Half centuries by Steve Smith and captain Michael Clarke put the Australians in a comfortable position before Maxwell, who had never before scored a World Cup century, started wrecking havoc

The 26-year hit 10 fours and four sixes in 53-ball 102 to inspire his team to 376-9 off their allotted 50 overs, with Shane Watson also providing late support with a 41-ball 67. 

Sri Lanka threatened to get close at one point as Kumar Sangakkara managed a third successive World Cup century, hitting 104 in a 134 run second-wicket partnership with Tillakaratne Dilshan, who scored 62.

But once the key pair had been dismissed, frailities in the Asian side's batting line-up emerged and the Sri Lankans eventually fell 64 runs short, running out of players on 312-9 because Dinesh Chandimal had been forced to retire hurt due to injury.

Australia are now poised to meet either Ireland or Pakistan in the last eight stage, while Sri Lanka are also likely to go through, probably in third place from Pool A, with both sides facing Scotland in their final group stage match.

Daniel Vettori spun New Zealand to a straightforward victory over Afghanistan
©AFP/Getty Images



Elsewhere today, co-hosts New Zealand also won, by six wickets over Afghanistan in Napier, to continue their unbeaten run and confirm that they will finish top of Pool A.

Bespectacled veteran spinner Daniel Vettori led the way with four wickets for 18 runs to reduce the Afghans to 59-6 before Samiullah Shenwari and Najibullah Zadran each hit half centuries to carry the team to a still well below-par 186 all out.

New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum then hit a rapid 42 from just 19 balls, while Martin Guptill scored 57, as the home side cruised home with 13.5 overs to spare. 

Afghanistan now need to beat England next week to stand any chance of qualifying, while the team will have their eyes firmly set on the clash in Adelaide between England and Bangladesh, the two other teams still hoping to secure the fourth Pool A qualification position.

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