Opener David Warner revealed he didn’t spot the missed catch, which allowed him to go ahead and make a sensational 163 in Australia’s 62-run win over Pakistan in the World Cup in Bengaluru on Friday. The 36-year-old southpaw was dropped by Usama Mir in the fifth over of the match off Shaheen Shah Afridi with his score just at 10 and Australia at 22 without loss. He went on to crack a 124-ball 163 and along with Mitchell Marsh (121), put on an Australian World Cup record of 259 for the opening wicket, helping his team pile up 367-9.
“I actually didn’t even see him fall,” said Warner, named man of the match for his innings with nine sixes and 14 boundaries.
“I was behind the ‘bison’ (Marsh’s nickname). I was actually not happy that I didn’t get a single either. That’s what it’s like when you’re an opening batsman. If you go after it, you’re probably going to give a few chances. “
Pakistani openers Imam-ul-Haq (70) and Abdullah Shafique (64) gave their team a solid start of 134, but the middle-order batting crumbled and Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa claimed 4-53 despite back spasms.
Warner said he was happy for Marsh, who turned 32 on Friday.
“He said to me today that he didn’t really score any runs on his birthday, so he’s happy with that and I think tonight’s Indian tradition is a cake in the face,” Warner said.
“You always went to bat for him and I was so ecstatic for him. You know, he’s a great guy to have in the locker room. He’s the life of the party, brings out the best in everyone and he’s always a character.
“That’s what you need in teams and in these back-against-the-wall games you need that. It was great.”
With Friday’s victory, Australia revived their World Cup campaign with two straight wins after as many losses.
“I honestly thought 350 was probably par, given that we know the history of this property and a little bit of dew can come in and make it a little easier to hit,” Warner said.
Five-time champion Australia will face the Netherlands in New Delhi on Wednesday.
(This story has not been edited by DailyExpertNews staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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