In a thrilling encounter between Australia and South Africa at the Eden Gardens in the ICC World Cup 2023 second semi-final, veteran Australian opener David Warner etched his name in history. With Virat Kohli leading the batting charts, all eyes were on Warner, Australia’s leading run-scorer in the tournament.
Tasked with chasing down South Africa’s challenging total of 213, Warner, along with Travis Head, provided a solid foundation with a 60-run partnership for Pat Cummins’ men in Kolkata. Warner showcased his aggressive intent by smashing four sixes and a solitary four, aiming to capitalize on his start against the Proteas in the powerplay.
However, Warner’s innings came to an end in the sixth over when Aiden Markram clean-bowled him, claiming South Africa’s first wicket. Despite the early exit, Warner’s contribution was significant, scoring 29 off 18 balls at a strike rate of 161.11. This innings marked Warner’s second entry into the ‘Mount 500,’ a feat achieved for the first time in the 2019 World Cup.
Warner now joins the elite club of Australian batsmen who have scored 500 or more runs in a single World Cup edition. The likes of Ricky Ponting (2007), Matthew Hayden (2007), and Aaron Finch (2019) have previously achieved this milestone. Notably, Warner is only the third batter in history to surpass 500 runs in two World Cups, following the footsteps of Sachin Tendulkar (1996, 2003) and Indian skipper Rohit Sharma (2019, 2023).
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Having amassed 528 runs in 10 matches at the ICC World Cup 2023, Warner’s remarkable form includes two centuries and two half-centuries. His consistent performances have played a pivotal role in Australia’s journey to the final, setting up a showdown with India at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
