Australia’s destructive left-handed batter David Warner was in beast mode against Pakistan. David Warner was dropped multiple times and scored 163 runs in 124 balls and struck 14 fours and 9 sixes. It seemed as if Warner was toying with Pakistan’s bowling lineup.
It looked as if David Warner wanted to make a statement that he is not a finished product. Warner played a key role in the triumph of 62 runs as the pitch had hardly anything in it to for the Aussies bowlers during defending 368 runs on the board. David Warner stitched a mammoth opening partnership of 259 runs in 33.5 overs along with the flamboyant all-rounder Mitchell Marsh.
David Warner- Mitchell Marsh in a beast mode
The message from the dug out for Warner & Marsh was specific as to play their natural game. The duo haven’t been able to assert their dominance in the ODI WC 2023. The sheer pace of Haris Rauf wasn’t enough to rattle the duo as the batters were seen making use of the crease which disturbed the bowlers’ dynamics.
Mitchell Marsh played the second fiddle as Warner was seen doing the bulk of scoring with his wide range of shots. Warner was so determined in his technique and was looking as if he was on a mission. Warner received a lot of flak for his poor strike rate but his knock along with Marsh would have silenced all the outside noise.
What’s next for Australia
All of a sudden, the Aussies are looking ominous and are placed at 4th position with 2 wins from 4 matches. The duo of Marsh & Warner single handedly created a havoc in the Pakistani camp and it won’t be wrong to say that Australia’s success in ODI WC 2023 would determine hugely on how openers would fare.
There are reports which suggest that Travis Head would be available for selection against Netherlands on Wednesday 25th October. It would be interesting to see whether Travis Head can roll his arm over when we are entering the mid stage of the tournament as the cricketer had a fractured arm.