David Warner fulfilled the wish of one of his fans through a brilliant gesture following the conclusion of Australia vs Pakistan (AUS vs PAK) game at the Cooper Associates County Ground in Taunton on Wednesday. The left-handed opening batsman scored a match-winning century to lead Australia to a 41-run victory over Pakistan in their fourth match of ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. But if his first century, since making a comeback to the Australian team, made it a special day for his fans, one particular die-hard fan just had the best day of his life when Warner handed over his Player of the Match award to the young boy. David Warner Scores Hundred During AUS vs PAK, ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Match, Becomes 3rd Fastest to Reach 15 ODI Centuries.
In what was a wonderful gesture, Warner not only handed over his Player of the Match trophy to the young fan but also stayed back to sign autographs and take selfies even after the match was over and the presentation ceremony had also concluded. This was Warner’s 15th ODI century but his first since making a comeback to the Australian team after serving a year-ban for his role in the infamous ball-tampering scandal. This Century Means a Lot as a Batsman: Warner.
Watch David Warner's Brilliant Gesture to a Young Australian Fan:
David Warner made this young Australia fan's day by giving him his Player of the Match award after the game 🏆
Wonderful gesture 👏 #SpiritOfCricket#CWC19 pic.twitter.com/MlvDkuoW4i
— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) June 12, 2019
The boy later revealed that Warner signed an autograph for him and handed him the Player of the Match award. The young boy also said that was a massive Warner fan and that it was a great feeling to get such a gift from his favourite cricketer.
Warner’s match-winning knock of 107 from 111 deliveries included 11 fours and a gigantic six that propelled Australia to 307. In reply, Pakistan were bowled out for 266 in 45.4 overs with Pat Cummins taking three wickets. Warner also was involved in a 146-run opening partnership with skipper and fellow opener Aaron Finch.
Tom Moody Reacts:
What a great gesture from @davidwarner31 a day this young fan will never forget! #MOM https://t.co/q1krapN7jX
— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) June 12, 2019
He has been in good touch at CWC19 but had so far failed to score at a flowing run-rate. The important century, however, will boost Warner’s confidence going ahead into the tournament. The 32-year-old also thanked his wife and children for standing by him and supporting during his suspension from the game.
"I have great support at home, my wife and my kids," he said. "She is a strong woman. She got me prepared for the other formats of that game that I did play. She nailed hard work into me,” said Warner talking of his wife Candice Warner.
Meanwhile, Australia jumped to second in the points table with six points after four games. Their only defeat in the competition has come against India. The defending champions next play Sri Lanka on June 15 (Saturday) at The Oval cricket ground.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 13, 2019 09:07 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).