Warner, Maxwell and Smith Help Australia Post Record Score in Cricket World Cup

Australia wrote themselves a piece of World Cup history when racking up a record-breaking score of 417 for 6 against Afghanistan.

Afghanistan did not have the bowling to worry Australia, and the host nation’s power hitters took full advantage.

"

RECORD! Australia close on 417-6. That's the highest total in Cricket World Cup history! #AUSvAFG #CWC15 pic.twitter.com/kRn9DT8sdU

— The Cricketer (@TheCricketerMag) March 4, 2015"

David Warner blasted his way to 178 off 133 balls, and he was ably supported by Steven Smith and Glenn Maxwell.

Smith came in at No. 3 after the early departure of Aaron Finch, and he stroked his way to 95 off 98 balls.

Warner’s departure allowed Maxwell to walk to the crease, and he was simply sensational.

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OUT! Warner falls, but what an innings! 178 from the left-hander off 133 balls http://t.co/a2RoktbW0q #AUSvAFG #cwc15 pic.twitter.com/SUnwtsYhrA

— ICC (@ICC) March 4, 2015"

His first scoring shot was a reverse sweep for four, and it set the tone. Maxwell smashed seven sixes and six fours in a 39-ball 88.

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Hats off to Glenn #Maxwell for a beautiful innings (88 runs from 39 balls) #Australia pic.twitter.com/FM55d59BoR

— Manu Shukla (@ManuShuklaDev) March 4, 2015"

His departure checked the momentum a shade, but Brad Haddin blasted 20 off nine balls to lift Australia to 417.

This World Cup has been a run fest, with Australia’s effort in Perth the third total in excess of 400.

It also knocks India off top spot for highest score at a World Cup. India smashed 413 for 5 against Bermuda in 2007, but they have been eclipsed by Michael Clarke’s Australia.

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#Worldcup Australia's Total Of 417 is now the highest Total in the World cup beating India's 413 against Bermuda in 2007. #AUSvAFG #cwc15

— ICC (@ICC_Pakistan) March 4, 2015"

This is only the second time Australia have passed 400 in an ODI. The only other time they did that, they lost to South Africa in 2006.