David Warner slammed a century against South Africa (AP Image)
David Warner overtook legendary Sachin Tendulkar and became the player with the most international tons as an opening batsman.
David Warner has scripted history with a sensational century against South Africa in the second ODI on Saturday at Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein. The destructive opener scored 106 runs off 93 balls to help Australia post a mammoth 392/8 on the scoreboard after South Africa opted to bowl first.
With the century, Warner overtook legendary Sachin Tendulkar and became the player with the most international tons as an opening batsman. It was Warner’s 20th ODI century and all of it he scored as an opener, while overall it was his 46th international ton.
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Tendulkar has now moved to the second spot in the tally with 45 international centuries as an opener, while veteran West Indies opener Chris Gayle is placed at the third spot with 42 tons to his name while opening the innings.
Tendulkar played at different batting positions throughout his career as he started a middle-order batter but was promoted to an opener in ODIs after a few years in his career. Meanwhile, he played the majority of his Test career as a number 4 batter.
Meanwhile, apart from Warner who smashed 12 fours and three sixes, Labuschagne also slammed a century against South Africa. Labuschagne smashed 124 in an Australian total of 392 for eight after the tourists were sent in. He went on to hit 19 fours and a six.
Warner and Labuschagne put on 151 for the third wicket off 124 balls, with Warner going to his 20th one-day international century off 85 deliveries.
Labuschagne was even quicker, reaching his second one-day international century off 80 balls. Both his hundreds have been made in the country of his birth. He hit 108 in Potchefstroom in March 2020.
Warner and Travis Head brutalised South Africa’s fast bowlers during an opening partnership of 109 off 72 balls, with Head thrashing 64 off 36 balls with nine fours and three sixes. The pair scored 102 in the ten-over power play.
It was Australia’s third-highest total in the 50-overs format and the fourth-highest conceded by South Africa.
For South Africa, Tabraiz Shamsi managed to claim four wickets and was pick of the bowlers, while Kagiso Rabada claimed a couple of scalps.
Australia 392-8 in 50 overs (D. Warner 106, T. Head 64, M. Labuschagne 124, J. Inglis 50; K. Rabada 2-79, T. Shamsi 4-61)
