$5.2 billion detail in David Warner interview stunt at T20 World Cup
It probably won't cost Coca Cola $5.2 billion this time, but David Warner did his best Cristiano Ronaldo impersonation at the T20 World Cup on Friday.
The under-fire Aussie batsman gave himself the perfect platform to launch into a big World Cup campaign after powering Australia to a seven-wicket win over Sri Lanka.
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After Adam Zampa's 2-12 kept Sri Lanka to 6-154, Warner's 42-ball 65 helped the Aussies cruise to victory with three overs to spare.
It put Australia in the box seat to advance to the semi-finals for the first time since 2012, with two wins likely enough from games against England, West Indies and Bangladesh.
Warner wasn't just in fine form on the field and was full of confidence in his post-match press conference.
The swashbuckling opener recreated Ronaldo's viral stunt from the Euro 2020 football tournament earlier this year when he removed two Coca Cola bottles from the podium where he was speaking.
In a move that reportedly cost the soft drink giant $5.2 billion, Ronaldo decided he didn't want the Coke bottles displayed during a press conference, saying: "Drink water".
On Thursday, Warner decided to poke fun at the infamous moment and jokingly removed two Coca Cola bottles of his own.
“If it‘s good enough for Cristiano, it’s good enough for me,” he said before putting the bottles back in place.
Cricket fans saw the funny side of the light-hearted moment on social media.
Australian cricketer David Warner started his press conference by removing the Coca Cola bottles but was asked to put them back.
He then said:
"If it's good enough for Cristiano Ronaldo, it's good enough for me." pic.twitter.com/D8XEAfehFA— The CR7 Timeline. (@TimelineCR7) October 28, 2021
David Warner starts his press conference by removing the Coca Cola bottle but is asked to put it back.
"If it is good for Cristiano Ronaldo, it is good for me" 😂😂😂#AUSvSL #T20WorldCup @News9Tweets pic.twitter.com/TjRWTL0t19— Subhayan Chakraborty (@CricSubhayan) October 28, 2021
Warner takes the coke bottles off the table before the presser. "If it's good enough for Cristiano, it's good enough for me." #T20WorldCup
The bottles are back up though 😅😅 pic.twitter.com/UCgyOu2mp9— Ayan (@ayan_acharya13) October 28, 2021
David Warner silences his critics in vintage T20 display
A known performer in World Cups, Warner entered the tournament with just three runs and 14 balls to his name in the last four months.
But after a poor IPL and a 14 against South Africa in the tournament opener, he looked back in his normal touch against Sri Lanka.
The left-hander was busy throughout on Thursday night in Dubai, facing just nine dots and hitting 10 boundaries as he was particularly strong square of the wicket.
After regaining his rhythm by training on polished concrete wickets, Warner insisted his knock was not about silencing his critics.
Instead, it was the perfect hit out for Saturday night's heavyweight clash with England.
"It was great to get out there in the middle, spend some time there running between wickets ... and getting cricket cues," Warner said.
"Little things like that just keeps your mind ticking for when you when you're in those pressure situations.
"In the last sort of six-to-12 months we haven't played that much cricket so I haven't been in those situations too often."
Sri Lanka were also left to rue the worst drop of the tournament, with wicketkeeper Kusal Perera grassing the simplest of chances when Warner gloved one through on 18.
It summed up a horror night for the Sri Lankans, who fielded poorly, struggled to find their length and at one stage had a Dushmantha Chamerra ball miss the pitch entirely.
with AAP
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