After losing their opening game in IPL 2023, Delhi Capitals (DC) will look for a way to bounce back. Mark Wood’s fierce spell of 5/14 completely stumped the DC batting line-up, and they could not chase down the 194-run target set by Lucknow, resulting in a 50-run defeat. However, one player from the team, David Warner, displayed immense skill to notch up a half-century in the match. Warner is an IPL legend with a track record of almost 6,000 runs, and he is particularly known for his stellar performances at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. During his first tenure with Delhi, Warner played a number of games at this venue, demonstrating his ability to produce clutch innings when it mattered most. So far, the 36-year-old has played 28 IPL games in Delhi, amassing a total of 740 runs, with an average of 30.8 and a strike rate of 124, with five fifties and a century included. Here we look at his 3 best innings in Indian Premier League at the venue:
3) 77 off 48 against KXIP, 2011
David Warner and Virender Sehwag’s incredible display of power-hitting in Delhi in 2011 left the opposition bowlers decimated and the fans in awe. As the opening partnership for the then Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), Warner and Sehwag scored a mammoth 146 runs within 12 overs against the Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings). Sehwag set the tone while Warner began with a more careful approach before going all-out himself; both ended up with 77 runs each as the side posted an astonishing total of 231/4. Warner was awarded the Player of the Match for his impressive batting display, which included eight boundaries and three maximums.
2) 93* off 58 against Gujarat Lions in Qualifier 2, 2016
Warner displayed the perfect example of what it looks like to be a captain. Against a target of 162, no other Sunrisers Hyderabad batter achieved more than 27. Yet, Warner carried his team through and eventually secured a four-wicket victory with the help of Bipul Sharma. Though the other batters struggled, Warner scored an incredible 93 not out in just 58 balls. His inspiring performance was the key reason SRH qualified for the IPL final, where they ultimately became champions.
1) 107* off 69 against KKR, 2010
David Warner was the first player to hit an IPL century at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium (now Arun Jaitley Stadium) in Delhi. He achieved this feat when he scored an unbeaten 107 from just 69 balls against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL 2010. Even though KKR were dominating the game, Warner remained unfazed and kept counter-attacking their attack. He used the powerplay brilliantly and reached his half-century in just 29 balls. Warner found a strong ally in Paul Collingwood as they put together 128 runs for the fourth wicket. After Collingwood was dismissed for 54, Warner continued and eventually scored a magnificent century.
