David Warner's incredible response to critics after Ashes furore

David Warner has answered his cricket critics in emphatic style after belting an important half century for the Delhi Capitals to help his side secure a much-needed first win in this season's Indian Premier League. Warner at last rediscovered a bit of luck - and form - to help Delhi snap a run of five straight defeats with a four-wicket win over the Kolkata Knight Riders.

Warner's role at the top of the order for Delhi has come under fire from fans this season, with many insisting his strike rate has not been good enough to set a competitive platform with the bat. The 36-year-old has also faced widespread scrutiny about whether he is the right man to captain the Delhi side, who are coached by Australian legend Ricky Ponting.

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The veteran opener has also found himself at the centre of a heated Ashes debate, with many fans insisting the out-of-sorts Test opener was lucky to be picked in Australia's squad this week. Warner is renowned for producing some of his best cricket when his back is against the wall, and again the 36-year-old was able to block out the external noise and deliver for his side in the IPL.

Perhaps buoyed by his Ashes selection and confirmation he would open for Australia in June's World Test Championship final against India, it appeared Warner's fortunes may have changed after he won the toss for Delhi and watched his bowlers skittle the Knight Riders for 127. Warner then set about single-handedly knocking off the runs himself.

Like some of his teammates, Warner had three of his bats stolen in transit between Bengaluru and Delhi earlier in the week, but the one he picked out did the damage as the 36-year-old launched into his most convincing knock of the season. Despite the early loss of compatriot Mitch Marsh for two, Warner reached his quickest 50 of the four he's plundered in 2023.

The left-hander took just 33 balls to notch the half century, eventually finishing on 57 from 41 deliveries, in a swashbuckling knock that contained 11 boundaries. The sensational innings lit up social media as cricket fans hailed Warner's captain's knock for Delhi.

David Warner leads Delhi to first win of season

When Warner eventually departed after being trapped lbw by Varun Chakravarthy, Delhi's mid-innings fragility was again laid bare as they ended up limping over the line. The Capitals finished on on 6-128, securing victory with just four wickets and four balls remaining.

"Great to get the two points, it's awesome," declared Warner, who couldn't hide his delight alongside coach Ricky Ponting after the pair had cut anxious figures on the Delhi bench during the nervy denouement.

Earlier in Mohali, Glenn Maxwell's sparkling IPL form was interrupted rudely by a golden duck - but it didn't stop his Royal Challengers Bangalore side earning a 24-run win over Punjab Kings. The Kings' Australian BBL batting ace Matt Short also had a disappointing night, bowled for just eight as they succumbed for 150 in pursuit of RCB's 4-174.

Bangalore looked as if their tally would be much higher after being inspired by another champion knock from Faf du Plessis, who brushed aside his rib injury to crack 84 off 56 balls, with opening partner Virat Kohli adding 59 off 47. The pair's opening stand of 137 looked the perfect launch pad for No.3 Maxwell, who had crashed 76 off 36 balls in his previous knock against Chennai Super Kings.

However, Maxwell was removed on his first ball against Harpreet Brar after trying to back away and launch the left-arm spinner's delivery into the stratosphere, only to slice it into the grateful clutches of Atharva Taide at point. RCB's innings lost its momentum, with the visitors eventually glad that du Plessis had made the inspired decision to play only as an impact substitute and give up the captain's armband to Kohli.

Du Plessis confirmed after the game that he wouldn't have played if the new substitution rule hadn't been in place. The game's third Australian, Nathan Ellis, went for 41 off his four overs for Punjab but did eventually dismiss du Plessis in the 18th over after the South African had cracked five sixes and five fours.

When Punjab replied, pace bowler Mohammed Siraj proved the wrecker, taking 4-21 to move to the top of the season list of wicket-takers with 12 in six games.

with AAP

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