Warner's Dream Debut Crushes South Africa

Debutant opening batsman David Warner struck an whirlwind 89 of just 43 balls to propel Australia to 182 runs in their allotted 20 overs in the first Twenty/20 match against South Africa at the MCG. It was the second fastest half century in the history of Twenty/20's. Warner simply tore into the much vaunted South African attack as all the bowlers including speedster Dale Steyn were battered into submission. South Africa regrouped after Warner's dismissal as they restricted the hosts within 200.

However there were no respite for the visitors when they came into bat as they were reduced to 12/3 in 3 overs as comeback man Shaun Tait and Nathan Bracken bowled fiery spells. Tait's spell was particularly too hot to handle for the visitors as he cranked up pace and had AB de Villers hitwicket. JP Duminy scored an attractive half century but the effort went in vain as there was no support from the remaining batsmen. The visitors were eventually bowled out for 130 runs in 18 overs.

Earlier Warner created history by becoming only the third player to have represented Australia without any first class cricket experience. He was adjudged as the "Man Of The Match". Australia have rested their keeper batsman Brad Haddin and pacer Mitchell Johnson for the match. Vice captain Michael Clarke didnot take the field due to injury. The second Twenty /20 will be played at Brisbane on 13th January.