Cricket: Warner blasts 135 to put NSW into T20 semifinals

AAP

5 Oct, 2011 04:30 PM2 mins to read

David Warner produced a record-breaking batting blitzkrieg as he blasted an unbeaten 135 off 69 balls to propel NSW into the semifinals of the Champions League Twenty20 cricket tournament in Chennai, India.

Warner notched the highest individual score in the three-year history of the tournament and a personal best T20 score, smiting 11 fours and eight sixes against the defending champion, Chennai Super Kings.

NSW scored 2-201 after winning the toss and bowled out Chennai for 155 in 18.5 overs to record a 46-run win.

Warner also took two catches and was instrumental in a runout as NSW clinched top spot in their group with a third successive victory after an opening match loss.

It was an especially tough night for Chennai paceman Doug Bollinger who went for 48 off three overs against the team he normally plays for in Australia.

Warner added 54 in 6.4 overs with fellow opener Shane Watson (21 off 19) and 101 in 65 balls with Steve Smith (31 off 29).

"Me and Shane had to do a job at the top there and we knew one of us had to stay there till the end, and fortunately enough tonight was my night." Warner said.

Showing remarkable dexterity, left-handed Warner hit four fours and a six from a right handed stance.

"I've been practising [switch hitting] for a fair while now in the nets," Warner said.

Australian Michael Hussey (37 off 27) got Chennai off to a rousing start before rather unluckily being adjudged lbw to a delivery from Stuart Clark (2-34 off 4), that appeared to be going over the stumps.

Spinner Stephen O'Keefe (3-28 off four) removed the other opener, Murali Vijay (17 off 16), and dismissed Suresh Raina (28 off 14), while Moises Henriques prised out M.S. Dhoni (2 off 4).

Warner effectively ended Chennai's hopes by helping to execute dismissals off successive balls in the 14th over bowled by O'Keefe, as the local team crashed to 6-112.