David Warner scored his first ODI ton since serving a year-long ban for his involvement in the ball-tampering scandal in Australia’s tense 41-run World Cup victory over Pakistan in Taunton on Wednesday.
Warner, transformed from the man who struggled in last Sunday’s defeat by India, busied his way to 107.
With captain Aaron Finch also scoring 82, Australia should have posted more than their 307 all out, only to lose their last six wickets for 30 runs thanks to Pakistan speedster Mohammad Amir’s maiden five-wicket haul (5 for 30).
Facing a more reachable target than they would have once feared, Pakistan were well placed at 136/2 when their own collapse of 4-24 sucked the life from the chase.
Hassan Ali smashed 32 runs off 15 deliveries and Wahab Riaz hit 45 off 39 balls to revive their vociferous fans, but after Wahab was given out caught behind on review off Mitchell Starc, Pakistan were bundled out for 266.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Pakistan hasn’t got defeated just by chance but actually Pakistan deserves it, when their captain is so stupid that he can take one run on the last ball of the over with no wicket balance. Ye captain Nahi, Panwadi Hona Chahiye! #AUSvPAK
— KRK (@kamaalrkhan) June 12, 2019
Pakistan lower order fought well….but the top order and their bowling (except Amir) and catching let them down. Australia has managed to win with four bowlers. #CWC19 #AusvPak
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) June 12, 2019
Good fight Pakistan … good win Australia.. but I feel both Teams can and need to improve … if they want to win this thing. Still along way to go. India and England still the stand out favourites.
— Dean Jones AM (@ProfDeano) June 12, 2019
David Warner continues his rich form against Pakistan!#CWC19 #AUSvPAK #PAKvAUS pic.twitter.com/j0ia9TCTaa
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) June 13, 2019
What bowling from @iamamirofficial
— zainab abbas (@ZAbbasOfficial) June 12, 2019
This is Mohammad Amir's FIRST EVER 5-wicket haul in ODI Cricket. Top lad! Proved many critics (including me) wrong. #AUSvPAK #CWC19
— Israr Ahmed Hashmi (@IamIsrarHashmi) June 12, 2019
Well played, David Warner!https://t.co/eG5o0feCCh#CWC19 #AUSvPAK #PAKvAUS #DavidWarner pic.twitter.com/4LBNQUDD42
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) June 12, 2019
#AUSvPAK#SarfarazAhmed fighting hard !! 🤣🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/o9HK1ZQY3q
— FightCorona (@Pappu4201) June 12, 2019
Sarfaraz Ahmed why would you give strike to a 19 y/o guy who bats at number 11 instead of taking the charge. Poor cricket . #Pakistan #AUSvPAK #CWC19 #Pakistan #WorldCupCricket2019
— Vyom (@Vyom_Baba) June 12, 2019
Shoaib Akhter waiting to thrash Sarfaraz Ahmed on his YouTube channel right now pic.twitter.com/JXRNG4jTL6
— Right Arm Over (@RightArmOver_) June 12, 2019
Sarfraz: I’ll try my best to save my wicket
Maxwell: Hold my sand paper#AUSvPAK
— Soban (@sobann404) June 12, 2019
