David Warner's IPL epics – Each time Australian run-machine turned ruthless

Aakash Saini

Best of David Warner in IPL [Source: IPLT20.COM]Best of David Warner in IPL [Source: IPLT20.COM]

Only a handful of overseas cricketers have left as profound a mark on the Indian Premier League (IPL) as legendary Australian opener David Warner. Be it for the Delhi Capitals during his formative years or for the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in his prime years, Warner seamlessly blended power with precision and transformed himself into one of the league’s most dependable run-machines.

Celebrating the IPL legacy of David Warner, here is a look at five of his highest individual scores in the Indian T20 tournament.

5. David Warner 93* vs Gujarat Lions, IPL 2016

David Warner unleashed 93 unbeaten runs from just 58 balls with 11 boundaries and three huge sixes against Gujarat Lions in the second qualifier of the IPL 2016 season back in May 2016 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Opening the innings for the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and leading them from the front in an all-important knockout clash during a chase of 163, Warner’s batting masterclass helped his team mow down Gujarat’s total with four wickets and four balls remaining. The legendary left-hander fittingly earned the ‘Player of the Match’ award as the ‘Orange Army’ marched into the final of the IPL 2016 season.

4. David Warner 100* vs RCB, IPL 2019

David Warner notched up his fourth IPL century through the course of his 100*-run knock from just 55 balls against RCB in match 11 of the IPL 2019 season. Opening the innings with fellow centurion and English international Jonny Bairstow, the two cricketers put up a 185-run partnership in just 16.2 overs to set up SRH’s huge 231-2 upfront. Overall, Warner launched five huge sixes and five fours in his innings at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad against the likes of Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal.

3. David Warner 107* vs KKR, IPL 2010

Back in March 2010 during the IPL 2010 season, a 23-year-old David Warner bludgeoned 107* runs from just 69 balls for the Delhi Daredevils franchise (now Capitals). The then youngster clattered nine fours and five huge sixes against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, as the hosts mounted 177-4 from 20 overs. Opening the innings alongside Virender Sehwag, Warner’s innings also helped the Daredevils lift from a precarious 38-3 at one stage. Delhi eventually won the contest by 40 runs, with David Warner winning the ‘Player of the Match’ award.

2. David Warner 109* vs Deccan Chargers, IPL 2012

Opening the innings for Delhi Daredevils (now Capitals), David Warner made a mess of Deccan Chargers’ monumental 187-run total in match number 55 of the IPL 2012 season back in May 2012 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. The attacking left-hander smeared 109* runs from just 54 balls after losing opening partner Virender Sehwag in just the first over of the run-chase. David Warner then stitched an unbroken 189-run partnership with number three Naman Ojha as the Daredevils chased down Chargers’ 187 with 20 balls to spare. The left-hander belted 10 boundaries and seven huge sixes in his match-winning knock.

1. David Warner 126 vs KKR, IPL 2017

David Warner punched out his magnum opus IPL score of 126 runs in just 59 deliveries against the KKR in match 37 of the IPL 2017 season. Opening the innings for the SRH at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, Warner launched 10 fours and eight huge sixes and formed a huge 139-run opening partnership with Shikhar Dhawan in just 12.4 overs. He maintained a staggering strike rate of 213.55 in his innings as the ‘Orange Army’ drew up a match-winning total of 209-3 in 20 overs. David Warner also plucked a couple of crucial catches in the second innings to bag the ‘Player of the Match’ award.