Maxwell's hundred gives Australia hope of avoiding Afghanistan shock

MUMBAI - Glenn Maxwell made a hundred as he looked to spare Australia a stunning World Cup defeat by Afghanistan in Mumbai on Tuesday.

Australia, set 292 to win, had collapsed to 91-7 before Maxwell dragged his team back into the reckoning with a century which helped the five-time champions go to 186-7.

They would have been in deep trouble had not Mujeeb Ur Rahman dropped a simple catch at short fine leg when all-rounder Maxwell, the last of Australia's recognised batsmen, was on 33.

Maxwell went onto make a 51-ball fifty, having missed the win over England in bizarre fashion after suffering a concussion when falling off a golf buggy.

He then piled on the agony for Afghanistan by taking just 25 more balls to complete a hundred featuring 10 fours and three sixes.

Victory in this match will see Australia into the semi-finals.

Earlier, Afghanistan made 291-5 -- their record World Cup total -- with opener Ibrahim Zadran's 129 not out their first century at any World Cup.