David Warner’s record-breaking 197 at North Sydney Oval today has lifted the NSW Blues into the RYOBI One Day Cup final against reigning tournament champions the XXXX GOLD Queensland Bulls.
Warner’s mammoth century demolished the record for the highest one-day domestic individual score, which was previously 187 runs held by Jimmy Maher.
Warner fell heart-breakingly short of the double-century but it continued a purple patch for the opener, who has notched up three centuries in seven days. NSW needed three runs to win when he was finally caught in the deep off John Hastings’ bowling.
It was a gripping finish to the match, as the Blues won by four wickets with three balls remaining.
Warner’s destruction (from 141 balls, including 10 sixes) overshadowed Dan Christian’s quickfire 117 from 90 balls and Rob Quiney’s supporting 89 earlier in Victoria’s batting innings.
Cameron White’s consecutive run of half-centuries was finally ended by Gurinder Sandhu (2-55). White (42) had previously raised his bat for a half-century in all five of his RYOBI One Day Cup appearances this season.
NSW bowlers Josh Hazlewood (3-62) and Sean Abbott (3-53) picked up three wickets each.
NSW will now play traditional rivals and reigning champions Queensland in the RYOBI One Day Cup final at North Sydney Oval on Sunday from 10am.