Australian opener David Warner etched his name in the annals of history by becoming the first-ever player to achieve fifty-plus scores in his 100th match across T20I, Test, and ODI formats. The left-handed batsman showcased his exceptional skills during the opening T20I against West Indies in Hobart on Friday (February 9), where he delivered a remarkable performance.
Warner’s explosive innings saw him scoring 70 runs off just 36 balls at an impressive strike rate of 194.44. His innings included one six and an astonishing 12 boundaries. Partnering with Josh Inglis, Warner contributed to a formidable 93-run partnership for the opening wicket, marking his 100th T20I appearance.
This achievement follows Warner’s noteworthy performance in his 100th Test against South Africa at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in December 2020. In that match, the southpaw notched up a double century, scoring 200 off 255 balls in the first innings. Warner’s innings comprised two sixes and 16 boundaries, contributing significantly to Australia’s victory by an innings and 182 runs.
In his 100th ODI against India at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru in 2017, Warner again showcased his batting prowess, scoring an impressive 124 runs. His innings featured four sixes and 12 boundaries, ultimately leading Australia to a victory by 21 runs.
David Warner’s feat of registering fifty-plus scores in his 100th game across all three formats establishes him as the first player to achieve this remarkable milestone. Joining the elite club of players with 100 appearances across formats, Warner stands alongside New Zealand’s Ross Taylor and India’s Virat Kohli.
Looking ahead, Warner sets his sights on becoming the second Australian to reach 3,000 runs in T20Is. With 2,964 runs in 100 games, including one century and 25 fifties, he trails only behind former Australian captain Aaron Finch, who scored 3,120 runs in 103 T20Is.
In the first T20I against West Indies, Warner’s clinical batting performance propelled Australia to a flying start. Alongside Inglis, who scored 39 runs off 25 balls, Warner’s 70 off 36 paved the way for a formidable total of 213 runs for Australia.
Despite the visitors making early breakthroughs, Warner’s spectacular innings provided Australia with a solid foundation. At the time of writing, West Indies were at 137/3 after 14.3 overs and needed 77 runs in 33 balls.