Warner, Marsh slam centuries as Australia make 367 for 9 against Pakistan in World Cup

Bengaluru | Australia's smashing duo of David Warner and Mitchell Marsh on Friday became only the fourth opening pair to notch centuries in a World Cup match.

The two achieved the feat during the game against Pakistan on their way to breaking a plethora of other records here.

First, Warner got to the three-figure mar with a nudge for a single and then, Marsh reached his hundred to celebrate his 32nd birthday in the best possible manner.

Some of the records created during the Australian innings: * It is the fourth instance of both openers scoring centuries in a World Cup game and the first for Australia.

* The stand of 259 between Warner and Marsh is the second-highest opening partnership in the competition's history, and the best for Australia.

* It is Warner's fourth consecutive ODI ton against Pakistan and the joint most by any player against a side in the format, equalling Virat Kohli (4 vs West Indies).

* It is also Warner's fifth hundred in the World Cup, equalling the most by an Australian, alongside Ricky Ponting.

* Marsh has become the sixth player to smash an ODI century on his birthday, besides being the first Aussie to do so. He is also the second birthday boy to strike a World Cup ton after Ross Taylor.

* With Warner and Marsh's 200-plus partnership in the game, Australia have tied India for most such stands in the World Cup history

Openers David Warner and Mitchell Marsh struck blazing centuries as Australia scored 367 for 9 in their World Cup match against Pakistan here on Friday.

For Pakistan, pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi grabbed five wickets.

Warner smashed a 124-ball 163, while Marsh scored 121 off 108 deliveries as the two were involved in a 259-run opening partnership that formed the cornerstone of the big total.

However, Australia suffered two blows when Marsh and all-rounder Glenn Maxwell (0) departed one after the other with the score on 259 as Pat Cummins' side suffered a minor setback.

Both the wickets were taken by Afridi, who returned with figures of 5 for 54 in his 10 overs, while Haris Rauf scalped three wickets as Pakistan made some amends in the back end of the innings.

Earlier, Pakistan won the toss and opted to bowl. Australia played an unchanged side while Pakistan brought Usama Mir in place of vice-captain Shadab Khan.

Brief scores:

Australia: 367 for 9 in 50 overs (David Warner 163, Mitchell Marsh 121, Marcus Stoinis 21; Shaheen Shah Afridi 5/54, Haris Rauf 3/83