David Warner Surpasses Virat Kohli, Climbs to Third in Elite T20 Rankings
David Warner’s remarkable performance in T20 cricket continues to captivate fans and analysts alike. In a recent match of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025–26, he played a crucial role for the Sydney Thunder against the Sydney Sixers.
Warner’s Stellar Innings
In the 37th match of the BBL, Warner scored an impressive unbeaten 110 runs off 65 balls. His solid batting helped the Thunder finish their innings at 189 for 6 in 20 overs. Despite losing wickets frequently, Warner’s consistency and powerful strokes ensured that his team could set a competitive target.
Breaking Records
- Warner surpassed Virat Kohli to become third on the all-time list of T20 centuries.
- He now holds 10 T20 centuries, while Kohli has nine.
- Chris Gayle leads with 22 centuries, and Babar Azam follows with 11.
This milestone adds to Warner’s legacy in T20 cricket, where he has established himself as one of the premier batters. His outstanding performance also marked his third century in the BBL, tying him with Ben McDermott and Steven Smith for the most BBL hundreds.
Warner vs. Kohli: A Statistical Comparison
| Player | Matches | Total Runs | Batting Average | Strike Rate | Centuries | Half-Centuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | 414 | 13,543 | 41.92 | 134.67 | 9 | 105 |
| David Warner | 431 | 13,918 | — | 140.45 | 10 | 115 |
Warner’s ability to maintain a higher strike rate and accumulate more runs in slightly more matches showcases his effectiveness in T20 cricket.
Significance of the Match
The game also marked a notable return for Mitchell Starc, who played his first BBL match in 11 seasons. He contributed with bowling figures of 1 for 31 in four overs. Sam Curran was particularly effective for the Sydney Sixers, taking 3 wickets for 28 runs.
As David Warner continues to excel in T20 cricket, his achievements reinforce his status among the elite players in the format.
