David Warner marked his 100th T20I appearance unforgettable carving his name deeper into cricket history with a blazing 70 off 36 balls against West Indies. The Australian opener's innings not only set the tone for a mammoth 213-run total but also saw him achieve a unique feat– to become the first player ever to score a fifty in all three formats (Tests, ODIs, and T20Is) in his 100th match.
The 70-run knock in the 100th T20I against the West Indies today, capped off a remarkable streak, following a double century in his 100th Test against South Africa and a century in his 100th ODI against India.
Warner's journey to this unique feat began in the ODI format. Facing India in his 100th ODI back in 2017, he crafted a composed century, scoring 124 runs. This knock, laced with four sixes and twelve boundaries, helped Australia secure a crucial 21-run victory. Then, in his 100th Test, he delivered a masterclass, scoring a majestic 200 runs against the Proteas in 2022. This double century not only marked a personal milestone but also placed him in an elite club: only the second Australian and ninth ever to achieve this feat in their 100th Test.
'Something I'm incredibly proud of'
Today's T20I saw Warner being involved in a 93-run stand with fellow opener Josh Inglis. Stepping up to the occasion, he played a composed innings, anchoring the chase with his characteristic aggression. "It's always special playing 100 games for your country in any format," said Warner after the innings. "To score a fifty in each hundredth game is something I'm incredibly proud of. It's been a fantastic journey, and I'm grateful for the support I've received."
While he fell short of a century, caught behind off Alzarri Joseph, his 70-run contribution proved vital. However, it remains to be seen if it comes in a winning cause as the visitors have started their chase well. Experts and fans alike hailed Warner's achievement as a testament to his consistency and class. His hunger for runs remains evident, and there's no doubt he will continue to inspire generations of cricketers to come.