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David Warner in awkward live TV gaffe as sledge backfires brutally

David Warner, Mark Waugh and Adam Gilchrist were left with egg on their faces on Wednesday night when Fawad Ahmed made them look very silly.

The Perth Scorchers No.11 produced some very unlikely fireworks at the SCG against the Sydney Sixers, blasting two consecutive sixes in the final over.

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The powerful display was extraordinary considering he’d never hit a six before in his T20 career - and only managed the solitary boundary.

But even better was the fact that the commentators had completely written him off.

Mark Waugh, David Warner and Adam Gilchrist, pictured here in commentary.
Mark Waugh, David Warner and Adam Gilchrist. Image: Fox Sports

While discussing the prospects of Fawad hitting a six, Waugh said: “He could not hit it for six out to mid-wicket with three hits.”

Warner added: “He would need a driver a pitching wedge.”

While Gilchrist said: “He’d need a driver and a car.”

But Fawad made them eat their words as he went the maximum off consecutive balls - both straight back over the bowler’s head.

To be fair, the banter was all in good fun and the commentators were more than happy to admit they were wrong.

Fawad Ahmed, pictured here in action for the Perth Scorchers.
Fawad Ahmed did the unthinkable. (Photo by Speed Media/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Fawad’s fireworks not enough for Scorchers

Josh Philippe underlined why so many good judges expect him to play international cricket soon, hammering an unbeaten 81 as Sydney cruised to an eight-wicket win.

West Australian youngster Philippe, the subject of a contract tug-of-war between Perth and the Sixers that mentor Steve Smith helped settle, ensured the hosts made light work of a modest target of 132.

Promoted to open alongside Daniel Hughes, Philippe helped the Sixers rocket to 0-58 from Wednesday night's powerplay.

The wicketkeeper-batsman kept the foot down, impressing Gilchrist as he brought up a half-century in 30 deliveries then completed the chase in 15 overs.

"It's a pleasure to watch a young talent like this," Gilchrist said on Fox Cricket.

"A beautiful innings ... he isn't afraid to play his shots but there's a controlled aspect to it. He's got such a great eye, plays all around the crease."

The Smith lookalike, who hit 304 runs at 30.4 during his maiden BBL season in 2018-19, finished the match by smashing a delivery from Jhye Richardson onto the roof of the Ladies Pavilion.

Warner, sitting alongside Gilchrist in the commentary box, noted the 22-year-old "looks like a fantastic player".

"He's got all the shots, hits the ball cleanly. He's nice and composed at the crease and has got cricket smarts, he hasn't thrown it away," Warner said.

Gilchrist also praised Philippe's glovework, which included a leg-side stumping to dismiss former Test opener Cameron Bancroft off the bowling of Steve O'Keefe.

with AAP