FAF DU PLESSIS TURNS BACK THE CLOCK WITH CENTURY FOR SUPER KINGS IN MLC

Joburg Super Kings captain Faf du Plessis turned back the clock with a superlative 58-ball century for the Texas Super Kings in last night’s Major League Cricket clash.

Playing against the Washington Freedom, Du Plessis, who was the first centurion in the history of Betway SA20, was back to his brilliant best as he powered the Super Kings to 203/5 in 20 overs. 

This was the first time a score of 200 was achieved at Church Street Park, Morrisville and the first time any team crossed this mark this season.

Following their loss to LA Knight Riders just two days ago, the Super Kings made a statement from the outset with Du Plessis and Devon Conway adding 109 for the first wicket in just 10.2 overs.

Du Plessis was particularly aggressive on anything short delivered by the Freedom bowlers as he plundered 36 runs, including four boundaries and three sixes, utilising the pull shot.

SA20 Season 2 leading wicket-taker Marco Jansen was one of the offenders with Du Plessis taking 26 runs off just nine deliveries from the Sunrisers Eastern Cape paceman.

Du Plessis received solid support from Durban Super Giants' all-rounder Marcus Stoinis, who bashed an 18-ball 29.

Unfortunately for Du Plessis, he fell shortly after reaching his 100 off 58 balls, which included 12 boundaries and five sixes, when he was caught by former Australian captain Steve Smith at extra cover off Saurabh Netravalkar in the following over.

Netravalkar, who was a revelation during the recent ICC Men's T20 World Cup for the USA, has certainly continued his upward trajectory after also picking up 3/24 in the previous game against MI New York with the left-arm seamer’s wickets including Kieron Pollard, Rashid Khan and Anrich Nortje.

The clash in Morrisville was unfortunately abandoned due to heavy rains after the Washington Freedom responded with 62/0 in four overs.

A minimum of five overs needs to be delivered in both innings for it to constitute a match.