David Warner credits IPL stints for white-ball success

In a stunning display of power-hitting, Australian opener David Warner's 163 off 124 deliveries left the cricket world in awe.

His remarkable performance came during Australia's crucial 62-run victory over Pakistan in Bangalore on Friday, October 20, in the ongoing 2023 World Cup. 

This brilliant display of cricket skill saw Warner and Mitchell Marsh combine forces to establish a colossal 259-run partnership, marking it as the second-highest opening stand in World Cup history. The result? Australia reached a formidable 367/9 in 50 overs.

David Warner, who became a household name during his stint with the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), attributed his white-ball success to his experiences in the IPL. 

David Warner centuries in international cricket

Speaking about his ability to adapt and perform in Indian conditions, Warner mentioned, “I think that's where in T20 cricket, I've learned a little bit as well to change my gears, especially in IPL. I learned a lot when I was playing for Sunrisers that you're able to have a lot more time than you think.

“And I think playing on these surfaces specifically, you know, if you give yourself time at the back end, you can actually score big.” 

He further added, “And that's what I felt today. I look to try and get to 35 overs and then from there, try and put my foot down if I'm still in. So, yeah, it's probably in the back of your mind, you've got a lot more time.”

David Warner
Photo by Icon sport

David Warner starred for Sunrisers Hyderabad 

Despite starting his IPL career with the Delhi franchise and later moving to SRH, Warner achieved immense success during his eight-year stint with the Hyderabad-based team. As a two-time Orange Cap winner in 2015 and 2017, he also led SRH to an IPL title in 2016. 

Warner's name stands proudly as the third-leading run-scorer in IPL history, trailing only Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan. His IPL stats are impressive, with 6,397 runs at an average of 41.53 and a strike rate of 139.91, which includes four centuries.

Warner's experience in embracing a full 50-over format has undoubtedly played a significant role in his white-ball success. His ODI numbers speak volumes, with 6,625 runs at an average of 45.37 and an impressive strike rate of 96.82, including 21 centuries. 

He's etched his name in history with the three highest scores by an Australian batter in the ODI World Cup, with remarkable innings of 178 against Afghanistan in 2015, 166 against Bangladesh in 2019, and his latest 163 against Pakistan.

When asked about his approach to the 50-over format, Warner stated, “Look, for me, I think what I've established early on in my career is that 50 overs is a long time. And having played Test cricket, you actually can take that out there and change your gears quite easily.

” So, in the first 10, two new balls, you’ve got to respect that. But then if you get away, you can get on top of it, and then you can be 50 off the first 10. And then from there, you set the platform for yourself, and that's the energy you feed off.”

Warner's resurgence in the 2023 World Cup has been nothing short of remarkable. After a slow start, he has raced to sixth on the leading run-scorers chart, amassing 228 runs in just four games. Australia, after initial setbacks, has bounced back with consecutive wins, rekindling their campaign in the World Cup. 

Their next challenge awaits as they face the Netherlands in Delhi on Wednesday, October 25. As Warner continues to shine, cricket fans eagerly anticipate more thrilling performances from the Australian opener.

Prasenjit DeyPrasenjit Dey

Prasenjit Dey is an independent cricket journalist with Bylines across reputed publications like Cricbuzz, The Hindu, The Cricketer, Fancode, and The Quint Among Others. He has an experience of eight years in the field and is a valuable addition to the Cricnerds team. You can follow him on Twitter @CricPrasen.

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