David Warner’s record-breaking 197 at North Sydney Oval today has fired New South Wales Blues into the RYOBI one-day Cup final against reigning tournament champions Queensland Bulls.
Warner’s blistering century smashed the record for the highest one-day domestic individual score in Australia, which was previously Jimmy Maher’s 187 for Queensland against Western Australia at Brisbane in 2004 when the competition was branded the ING Cup.
Warner fell short of the double-century but it continued a purple patch for the left-handed opener, who has notched up three centuries in seven days. NSW needed three runs to win when he was finally caught in the deep off John Hastings.
It would have set a few hearts fluttering in the NSW camp before they won by four wickets with three balls remaining.
“It’s good to get a win on the board, and now we’re through to the finals,” said the Australian Test player, who has turned around a recent run of poor form. “For me, it’s about being still at the crease, a clear mind, going out there and backing myself. I’ve probably realised now that’s what’s working.
“The way we’ve played, we probably haven’t been up to scratch as batsmen. The bowlers have done most of the work this series. Hopefully we can come out on Sunday and the batters can bat through to give the bowlers something to defend.”
Warner also revealed that his last four innings at North Sydney Oval have been centuries. He has scored three in the last eight days for his state and one on his last grade appearance going back to “2010 I reckon”.
Warner’s destruction (from 141 balls, including 10 sixes) overshadowed Dan Christian’s quick-fire 117 from 90 balls and Rob Quiney’s supporting 89 earlier in Victoria’s batting innings.
Cameron White’s consecutive run of half-centuries was finally ended by Gurinder Sandhu (2-55). White (42) had previously raised his bat for a half-century in all five of his RYOBI Cup appearances this season.
Home bowlers Josh Hazlewood (3-62) and Sean Abbott (3-53) picked up three wickets each.
The Blues will now play the Bulls in the final at the same venue on Sunday, starting at 10am.
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