David Warner bagged a mega milestone by amassing 12,000 runs in T20 cricket during Australia versus West Indies' third T20I on February 13, Tuesday at Perth Stadium. David Warner, who will be retiring from all forms of cricket after the conclusion of T20 World Cup 2024, becomes the first Australian player and the fifth overall to achieve this towering feat in the shortest format. However, despite Warner's achievement, Australia ended up losing the third T20I to the West Indies by 37 runs.
Warner strikes again
The left-hander required 48 runs before the start of the third and final T20I of the series against the West Indies, and he accomplished this milestone in style with a superb knock of 81 runs from 49 balls in pursuit of a target of 221. In his aggressive innings, Warner struck nine fours and three sixes before being dismissed by Roston Chase in the 14th over while attempting a slog sweep at cow corner. Warner is now the second-fastest player in history to reach 12,000 T20 runs, only trailing West Indies' legend Chris Gayle in this regard. Warner achieved this milestone in his 369th match, falling 16 games short of the world record.
Fastest to 12000 T20 runs
Chris Gayle - 353 matches
David Warner - 369 matches
Alex Hales - 435 matches
Shoaib Malik - 486 matches
Kieron Pollard - 620 matches
Warner crosses the 3000 T20I runs milestone
In a remarkable achievement, the 37-year-old Australian cricket star reached the 3000 T20I-run mark during the match in Perth. This was not the only cause for celebration for Warner on the day. He becomes only the second Australian and the seventh player overall to achieve this feat in the shortest international format, following in the footsteps of his former captain Aaron Finch. Finch, who led Australia to victory in the 2022 T20 World Cup, has amassed 3120 runs in 103 matches, while Warner accomplished this milestone in his 102nd T20I appearance.
David Warner's heroics in vain
The task of chasing down West Indies' colossal total of 220/6 was always going to be formidable for Australia, and they faced relentless pressure throughout the innings. Mitchell Marsh and Warner provided the hosts with a quick start, forming a partnership of 68 runs for the opening wicket in just 6.3 overs. Following Marsh's departure, Warner accelerated to reach his half-century off 25 balls. However, he found little support from the other end as the required run rate continued to rise. Warner amassed 81 runs off 49 deliveries before falling victim to Chase's bowling. Tim David contributed a brisk 41 runs off 19 balls, featuring 2 fours and four sixes, but it only served to prolong the inevitable. Chase emerged as the standout performer with the ball, finishing with remarkable figures of 4-0-19-2. Despite Warner's valiant efforts, Australia could only muster 183/5 in their allotted 20 overs.
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