FORMER Hampshire star Glenn Maxwell blasted 88 off only 39 balls as Australia romped to the highest team total in cricket World Cup history.

David Warner (178) and Steven Smith (95) had earlier shared a second wicket stand of 260 as the Aussies posted a 417-6 against Afghanistan in Perth.

Mitchell Johnson (four for 22) eased the hosts to a landslide 275-run Pool A win as Afghanistan were bowled out for 142 in 37.3 overs.

Maxwell hammered six fours and seven sixes before he holed out at extra-cover with Kevin O'Brien's record for the fastest World Cup century in his sights.

The previous World Cup highest was India’s 413 for five against Bermuda in Trinidad eight years ago.