Some partnerships extend way beyond the cricket field and David Warner has had several such mates sharing the pitch with him throughout his illustrious career. The veteran had long-time opening partner Aaron Finch in attendance while surpassing him as Australia’s highest T20I run-getter in Barbados.
Australia headed into their World T20 opener as firm favourites against Oman at Bridgetown but were handed a reality check as soon as the game began with some quality bowling from the Asian contingent up-front. An exhibition of disciplined bowling meant the men from Down Under were reduced to 56/3 at the halfway mark after being asked to bat first with the usually explosive David Warner having to contend with anchoring the innings at less than run-a-ball. However, it wasn’t all sour for the 37-year-old he became the highest-ever run-getter for Australia in T20 internationals during the knock and celebrated the achievement fittingly with a wholesome exchange involving Aaron Finch.
The former Australian skipper was seated in the press enclave as a part of the commentary team when Warner cut the ball in the eighth over to register his 3,021st T20I run, bettering Finch’s record in his 104th outing. The cameras immediately panned to the retired Aussie who gracefully raised his eyebrows and directed some claps at his former teammate with whom he shared opening duties for over half a decade. To his good fortune, Warner caught the moment in real time and a huge grin immediately lit up his face. The southpaw coyly waved at Finch before getting ready to resume business.
Twitterati were awed by the charming interaction between the duo and quickly flooded social media with their reactions.
Historic
Amazing feat
Leading run scorer for Australia in T20i #davidwarner #warner #ausvsoma pic.twitter.com/UzdUpzDeRR
— dattu warner (@warnerdattu_31) June 6, 2024
David warner on these pitches is next to God only 🔥🔥 bloody big tournament player #AUSvsOMA
— Dexter ! (@careofpostivity) June 6, 2024
Legend
True
If Jake Fraser Mcgurk was playing today, he wouldn’t have made any runs in these conditions. #australiavsoman #Cricket #t20worldcup #davidwarner
— The Cricket Statistican (@BMWfanforever12) June 6, 2024
David Warner surpasses former Australian cricketer Aaron Finch (3120) to become the leading run-scorer for Australia in T20Is. A remarkable achievement for a phenomenal player! #DavidWarner #AUSvsOman pic.twitter.com/Rtw8H6uncn
— Usman Shaikh 🇮🇳 (@shaikhusman_7) June 6, 2024
At the summit
Big feat
David Warner becomes the leading run-getter for Australia in men’s T20Is – going past Aaron Finch.
Few balls back today
Warner – 104 inns, 12 NO, 3120 runs, 142.53 SR
Finch – 103 inns, 12 NO, 3120 runs, 142.53 SR#T20WorldCup— Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats) June 6, 2024
David Warner goes past Aaron Finch to be Australia’s leading T20I international run scorer, and there are these lockdown kids who reckon Warner shouldn’t be in the team. #T20WorldCup #cricket #t20 #davidwarner #aaronfinch
— The Cricket Statistican (@BMWfanforever12) June 6, 2024
Only a little dar away
Most runs for Australia in T20Is:
3405 – Meg Lanning
3121 – David Warner
3120 – Aaron Finch
2905 – Alyssa Healy
2829 – Beth Mooney#T20WorldCup— Nic Savage (@nic_savage1) June 6, 2024