Five-time World champions Australia kicked off their campaign in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 on a high note. Having demonstrated their prowess by overpowering South Africa in the ongoing series, they've set the stage for what looks like a promising tournament ahead. The T20I series already witnessed a clean sweep of 3-0 in Australia's favor, and the momentum seems to be continuing in the ODIs.
In the backdrop of the first ODI where Marnus Labuschagne's valiant effort saved the day for the Aussies, the second ODI in Bloemfontein saw a display of fireworks right from the onset. Challenged to bat first by South African captain Temba Bavuma, Australian openers David Warner and Travis Head responded with a performance that was nothing short of spectacular.
While Warner played with a mix of caution and aggression, Travis Head was on a different plane altogether. As if on a mission, Head's onslaught from ball one left the South African bowlers searching for answers. With impeccable timing and precise shot selection, he raced to a 26-ball half-century. The synergy between Warner and Head was palpable, resulting in a 100-run partnership by the 10th over itself.
Riding on this whirlwind Australia scripted history and became the first team to notch up a century during the powerplay in ODIs in South Africa.
But cricket, with its twists and turns, saw Tabraiz Shamsi breaking the rhythm. His exceptional bowling spell brought a double breakthrough, claiming the wickets of both the rampant Head (who made 64 off 36) and the Aussie skipper, Mitchell Marsh (0 off 1). However, Australia's depth in batting shone through as Labuschagne, the hero from the first ODI, took charge.
Pairing up with Warner, Labuschagne complemented the senior pro perfectly. While he played a subdued yet essential role, Warner shifted gears, and cracked his 20th ODI century. With this spellbinding century Warner became the first ever opener from Australia to reach 20 hundreds as an opener.
It was also his 46th as an opening batter in international cricket to break Sachin Tendulkar’s record. The star southpaw has 25 hundreds in Tests, 20 in One-Days and one in T20Is. Tendulkar’s entire tally of 45 hundreds at the opening slot was registered in ODIs.
However, Warner was later removed by Andile Phehlukwayo in the 33rd over after scoring 106 off 93 riding on 12 fours and three sixes to leave Australia strong at 260/3. Labuschagne too ended up cracking a brilliant 109 off 88.
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