Taunton: Australia opener David Warner won hearts for his gesture after the team’s 41-run victory against Pakistan at the ICC World Cup 2019 in Taunton on Wednesday (June 12).

Warner hit a century as Australia survived a scare from their Asian opponents to register their third win of the 10-team tournament. This was the left-hander’s first ton since returning to international cricket after serving a 12-month ban for his role in the ball-tampering scandal.

Match scorecard

While Warner’s innings (107 off 111) came in for praise, what he did after the game was even more appreciated by cricketers and fans.

Warner, who won the Man-of-the-match award, decided to give that trophy to a young fan in the crowd. It was a memorable day for the boy in the stands as he spoke to the digital team of the World Cup 2019.

Also read: World Cup 2019 format, rain rules, Super Over and other playing conditions

“I (feel) really awesome. It is really good. We were just waving the flag and he just came over and gave it to us,” the youngster said in a video posted on the official Twitter handle of the World Cup. He said he is a “massive” Warner fan.

“David Warner made this young Australia fan's day by giving him his Player of the Match award after the game. Wonderful gesture #SpiritOfCricket #CWC19 (sic),” World Cup's official Twitter page tweeted with the video.

After the ball-tampering scandal, it has been tough for Warner and former captain Steve Smith. However, both have returned to play international cricket and are making an impact at the World Cup.

Warner, speaking to the media after the win, thanked his wife Candice for being his “rock”.

"The thing that kept me going was my wife and my kids. I got great support at home, my family. And my wife is just, she's just my rock. She's unbelievable.

"I hold a lot of credit to her. She's a strong woman. And she got me out of bed a lot in those first sort of 12 weeks, and got me back running and training," the opener said.