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Glenn Maxwell has found impressive form with the bat in Australia's final ODI series before starting their World Cup defence in England.

Glenn Maxwell has shown style and substance during a dizzying knock of 98 against Pakistan in Dubai, proving he's capable of playing more than just cameo roles for Australia.

Maxwell, whose place in the World Cup squad was far from assured at the start of the home summer, has gone from strength to strength since arriving in India a month ago.

On Friday, the allrounder produced his most mature innings since the 2015 World Cup to help Australia post 7-277 and ultimately win by six runs.

Maxwell marched to the middle at 4-101 in the 23rd over, when Pakistan spinners Imad Wasim and Yasir Shah had two wickets each and it was unclear whether the tourists would bat out their overs.

The Victorian finished one boundary short of what would have been the second ODI ton of his career, having started cautiously then played some outrageous strokes before being run out in the final over.

"The last two games I've come in a bit earlier when we've lost a few wickets back to back and there's been a little bit of pressure on," Maxwell said, having backed up his 71 in Abu Dhabi.

"Those sort of opportunities probably more come up when conditions are tough and the top order has found it difficult.

"It's about getting through those tough times and giving myself that chance to go.

"I've made a lot of mistakes as a middle-order batter ... so it was nice to be there for the back end."

Maxwell offered a caught-behind chance on 10 but then settled, passing 50 in 53 balls by taking measured rather than manic risks.

The excitement machine teed off late with trademark funky footwork and outrageous strokes that manipulated the field.

Maxwell barely ate before the game-changing dig and didn't eat during the innings break. The 30-year-old felt dizzy during the early stages of Pakistan's innings but regained composure with the help of the team doctor.

Maxwell, who has been dismissed five times in the 90s in ODIs, insisted he wasn't worried about the personal milestone.

"I'm not going to look back on my career when I'm done and think about all the hundreds I've missed," he said.

The gifted batsman was clean bowled on 76 by Usman Shinwari in the 47th over but recalled when replays revealed it was a clear no-ball.

"I looked up and saw JL (coach Justin Langer) behind the laptop and he started smiling and put his hand up," Maxwell said.

"It was nice to get a second chance."