(Source Hindustan times)
Following a disrespectful send-off from Oman pacer Kaleemullah, Australia’s David Warner almost headed towards the incorrect dressing room.
Despite being 17 places below Australia in the ICC Men’s T20I rankings, Oman refused to back down against the Mitchell Marsh-led side in a T20 World Cup Group B match at Bridgetown, Barbados on Thursday. They applied significant pressure on Australia during the first half of their innings. At one stage, Australia found themselves at 62/3 in 12 overs. However, it was only in the last few overs, when Marcus Stoinis unleashed his power hitting, that the Kangaroos managed to pull ahead.
In addition to Stoinis, another key figure in Australia’s innings was David Warner. The opener experienced a mixed day in the middle. While he initially struggled to find boundaries, he showed resilience and did not give away his wicket cheaply. By holding one end up, Warner provided the stability that allowed Stoinis to freely unleash his power hitting from the opposite end.
Warner concluded his innings with 56 runs off 51 deliveries, achieving a significant milestone by becoming Australia’s leading run-scorer in T20Is. This feat surpassed the record previously held by former captain Aaron Finch, who interestingly was commentating when Warner broke his record. Finch, who had been Warner’s opening partner for many years, was spotted waving to his former teammate from the commentary box. In response, Warner acknowledged the gesture with a raised hand and a smile. Currently, Warner boasts 3155 runs in 104 T20Is, while Finch accumulated 3120 runs in 103 T20Is.
Aaron Finch’s reaction after David Warner breaks his record in T20Is
Following Kaleemullah’s unsportsmanlike ‘kick’ send-off to David Warner, the Australian opener was later dismissed by Kaleemullah while attempting to clear the long-off fence. The wicket was clearly significant for the Oman pacer, who celebrated it fervently. Kaleemullah let out a roar of triumph and gestured with a kick in Warner’s direction as the Australian batsman walked back towards the dressing room with his back turned.
The unfolding drama continued as David Warner, heading towards the dressing room, inadvertently made his way towards the Oman team’s dressing room instead of Australia’s. It was only halfway through that he realized his mistake, prompting him to backtrack and redirect himself towards the correct dressing room.
Meanwhile, Marcus Stoinis played a pivotal role by unleashing a game-changing 67 not out off just 36 balls, propelling Australia to a total of 164-5. He then showcased his all-round skills by taking three wickets for 19 runs as Oman was restricted to 125-9 in their chase.
“It was a nice start,” player of the match Stoinis said afterwards. “Maybe a few cobwebs for us but we’re better for it, and nice that we got the win.
“And nice that I got to spend some time in the middle and have a bit of a bowl.”
