FAF THE LION-HEART ROARS TO TOP OF IPL RUN-SCORING CHARTS

Faf du Plessis moved to the top of the Indian Premier League run-scoring charts on Monday to claim the Orange Cap despite carrying a rib injury. 

The Royal Challengers Bangalore captain, who also leads the Joburg Super Kings in the Betway SA20, has been in prolific form in this season’s IPL. 

He struck his third half-century against his former team, Chennai Super Kings, at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore to move to 259 runs at an average of 64.75 and strike-rate of 172.67. 

He has blasted 20 fours and 18 sixes in the process. Du Plessis moved past Kolkata Knight Riders’ Venkatesh Iyer, who has 234 runs.

Unfortunately for Du Plessis, his 62 off just 33 balls was not enough to take RCB over the line against the Super Kings as they fell short by eight runs. 

It was a remarkable effort considering he needed treatment on the field during his innings.

“Early on while fielding, I thought I just winded my rib but as the innings went on I felt discomfort,” he said. 

“I tried to avoid taking my shirt off but had to do it in the end, sorry boys.”

The former Proteas captain certainly entertained the packed Chinnaswamy with some audacious strokeplay, particularly when he was joined at the crease by Australian Glenn Maxwell. 

The pair were electrifying during their 126-run partnership off just 61 balls for the third wicket that gave RCB a chance of hauling in CSK’s mammoth 226.

RCB, however, lost their way after losing Maxwell (76 off 36 balls, 3×4, 8×6) and Du Plessis in quick succession.

“We couldn’t manage to finish it off, but we got to move on. I lost a little bit of power towards the end, was disappointed as I got stiff. Needed to keep going harder against the spinners in the middle overs,” Du Plessis said.