Glenn Maxwell is hopeful his maiden one-day international century in Australia's Cricket World Cup win over Sri Lanka will lead to more three-figure performances.

Maxwell ended his wait for an ODI hundred in devastating fashion on Sunday as he scored the second-fastest ton in World Cup history to inspire the tournament co-hosts to a 64-run victory at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

His blistering 102 in 53 balls helped Australia to 376-9, with Sri Lanka bowled out for 312 in reply despite Kumar Sangakkara (104) becoming the first man to post three straight World Cup centuries and only the second player to score 14,000 ODI runs.

The only disappointment came as Maxwell missed out on breaking Kevin O'Brien's record for the fastest 100, with a single off his 49th ball denying him that achievement before a leg bye on the next delivery prevented him from equalling the mark.

"It was a massive weight [lifted]," Maxwell said of his hundred. "Hopefully it sort of opens the floodgates a little bit. It was a lot of fun, it was a nice wicket to play on out there.

"The top order did a great job and set it up for us."

While Maxwell will take the plaudits for Australia's batting display, captain Michael Clarke was eager to praise the bowlers for their contribution.

Mitchell Starc (2-29) produced a strong display, while James Faulkner also enjoyed an impressive outing with the ball - taking three wickets for the loss of 48 runs.

"I thought the way all the bowlers held their nerve today was exceptional," Clarke said.

"Starc is bowling beautifully. He's executing very well. He's bowling quite fast with the new ball, he's swinging. His death bowling is very good at the moment.

"We need momentum and we need to grab it and run with it for as long as we possibly can. Once we get into Hobart [to play Scotland], it will be full steam ahead."