A stunning 135 off just 69 balls from David Warner inspired New South Wales Blues to a 46-run victory over Chennai Super Kings in Chepauk, Chennai.
The Australian opener bludgeoned eight sixes and 11 fours in a century of utter destruction which propelled Simon Katich’s side to 201 for two from their 20 overs. Scores of 37 and 28 from Mike Hussey and Suresh Raina respectively saw Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s men reach 155 before they were bowled out with seven deliveries to spare.
Steve O’Keefe took three wickets with Stuart Clark and Mitchell Starc chipping in with two apiece as Chennai’s run-chase was constantly disrupted.
But it was Warner who inevitably clinched the man-of-the-match award for his explosive and exhilarating innings and took all the plaudits in the day/night encounter.
Warner produced a selection of shots including some impressive switch hitting to make his total in scintillating fashion, enjoying the highest score in the history of the tournament on a notoriously slow pitch.
In the process, the Australian opener took New South Wales to the top of Group A, and through to the semi-finals, while the defeat leaves Chennai languishing in bottom place with a meagre two points on the board.
“This is my best performance in this format,” Warner said afterwards. “Tonight was my night.”(ESPN Cricinfo)