Losing World Cup record unbelievable: Hayden

Retired Australian batsman Matthew Hayden says he “couldn’t believe” his record for the fastest World Cup century has been broken,but he is delighted for Ireland’s Kevin O’Brien after achieving the feat against England.

O’Brien smashed a 50-ball 100 on Wednesday,16 balls fewer than Hayden’s mark set in 2007,as he propelled Ireland to a stunning upset win by three wickets in the Group B match.

Hayden told the International Cricket Council in an e-mail,circulated before Australia’s Group A game against Sri Lanka on Saturday,that “it didn’t sink in” that O’Brien had not only broken the record but also beaten England,which had recently defeated the Aussies in the Ashes.