WATCH: David Warner’s ‘Pushpa’ dance moves light up Dharamshala during Australia vs New Zealand ODI World Cup clash

The 27th match of the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023 witnessed a magnificent batting performance from Australia in the first innings. The Australian team put up a monumental total of 388 runs against New Zealand at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala on Saturday, October 28.

Meanwhile, during the 2nd innings, cricket fans around the world were in for an unexpected treat during the recent New Zealand-Australia match as Australian opener David Warner pulled off some hilarious dance moves which were likely from the popular Telugu movie Pushpa: The Rise that added a touch of entertainment to the game. While cricket fans tuned in to watch a thrilling clash between two cricketing giants, Warner’s antics stole the show and provided a moment of levity.

Watch the video here:

Asked to bat first, Australian openers Warner and Travis Head set the stage on fire with a scintillating start, showcasing their aggressive intent by hammering the New Zealand bowlers all around the ground. Head’s return to the team after a hand injury that sidelined him for the first five matches of the World Cup couldn’t have been more spectacular. 

He blazed to a furious century off just 59 balls, marking Australia’s third-fastest World Cup century. Head’s intentions were clear from the outset, as he lofted an aerial off-drive for four off the third ball he faced. In the third over, he took on Matt Henry, dispatching two easy shots over midwicket for sixes with audacious pulls.

Brilliant opening partnership between Warner and Head

Australia’s openers achieved the third-highest powerplay score in ODIs. This partnership marked only the second time in ODI history that both openers had reached 50 inside 30 balls. Warner fell just short of a century when he was caught by Glenn Phillips, but Head continued to dominate. He ultimately departed for an explosive 109 off 67 deliveries, adorned with seven sixes and ten fours, setting Australia on the path to a formidable total.

After the departure of the openers, New Zealand’s bowlers made a strong comeback, taking crucial wickets at regular intervals. However, Josh Inglis and Glenn Maxwell swung the momentum back in Australia’s favour. James Neesham provided a vital breakthrough for New Zealand, removing the hard-hitting Glenn Maxwell for 41. In the 48th over, Inglis and Maxwell took Neesham to task, smashing 27 runs with the help of four maximums.

New Zealand’s bowlers persisted and found success in the 49th over, as Trent Boult struck, dismissing Inglis and Pat Cummins for 38 and 37, respectively, in quick succession. The match showcased the thrilling ebb and flow of ODI cricket, leaving fans on the edge of their seats and setting the stage for an intriguing contest as New Zealand would chase Australia’s challenging total.