David Warner blindsided for fateful dropped catch in Australia’s ODI World Cup win over Pakistan

David Warner’s 21st ODI century formed the basis of Australia’s 62-run World Cup win over Pakistan — but the opener’s spectacular innings was almost over virtually before it began.

David Warner was blindsided for the dropped catch that precipitated his match-winning innings against Pakistan.

Warner’s 163 from 124 balls, his 21st one-day international century, formed the basis of Australia’s 62-run win at the Chinnaswamy Stadium on Friday night.

It was a result that catapulted Australia into the top four of the World Cup standings, a remarkable turn of events given the Aussies had been at the foot of the table less than a week ago.

Warner and Mitch Marsh (121) combined for a 259-run opening partnership, Australia’s biggest first-wicket stand in tournament history, before collapsing to finish 9-367.

Pakistan was on track in its chase at 0-134 after 21 overs, with Marcus Stoinis turning the game by removing openers Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq in quick succession. Despite some further resistance from Pakistan’s middle order, Australia ultimately prevailed by 62 runs, with Pakistan bowled out for 305 in the 46th over.

David Warner celebrates his century against Pakistan. Picture: R.Satish BABU / AFP

Having almost missed the match because of illness that exacerbated pre-existing back spasms, leg-spinner Adam Zampa starred with 4-53.

It was Warner who was deservedly named player of the match though following what was his fifth World Cup ton. However the veteran opener’s innings almost ended on 10 when he skied a Shaheen Shah Afridi short ball to Usama Mir at mid on. The straightforward catch was shelled, but it took Warner a moment to realise.

“I actually didn’t see him drop it, because I was behind big Bison (Marsh). I was actually not happy that I didn’t get a single as well,” Warner said.

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It could have been a different story, had Usama Mir not dropped this catch from Warner. Picture: Getty Images

Warner was also dropped on 105, part of a knock that included 14 fours and nine sixes.

Just as was the case during his famous 200 in last year’s Boxing Day Test against South Africa, Warner’s monumental dig left him worse for wear. He spent much of the run chase off the field

“Just cramping. You saw me go down in Melbourne,” Warner said.

“Once you have an ice bath for some reason you start cramping. I chased the ball to the fence, came back and was cramping in both adductors.”

Warner and Mitch Marsh put on 259 for the first wicket. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Warner said Australia had ultimately missed an opportunity to post an even bigger total.

“I felt today that we missed a little bit with the bat. We set a platform up very well, and we didn’t execute well as a batting unit,” Warner said.

“400 probably would have been a target from where we were.

“I honestly thought 350 was probably par given we know the history of this ground, a little bit of dew can come and it can get a little bit easier to bat on. The guys said there was no dew out there, so that’s a positive.

“Always in these totals they’re gonna get partnerships, they’re going to get some momentum going. I think we just stayed in the contest very well. We executed well with wickets at the right time.”

Warner credited his one-day record to understanding the tempo of the format.

“I think one thing I established early on in my career is that 50 overs is a long time and having played Test cricket you actually can take that out on there and change the gears quite easily.”

Originally published as David Warner blindsided for fateful dropped catch in Australia’s ODI World Cup win over Pakistan