Best innings of Faf du Plessis in IPL
What makes Faf du Plessis such an effective batsman in limited-overs cricket, apart from his undoubted talent, is his versatility and ability to adapt to the situation. The ultimate team man, du Plessis is the first to move up or down the order as per the team’s requirements, flexibility that he has shown many times in the IPL as well as for South Africa in the international arena.
Furthermore, du Plessis also adds an experienced head to the mix as well as a captain’s mindset, having led South Africa across all formats with great distinction. And, if that wasn’t enough, he also happens to be a livewire in the field (as is the case with most South Africans) and is able to cover a lot of ground, throw himself around to save runs, and can be relied upon to safely pouch most catches that come his way. These qualities have stood him in good stead in the tournament over the years, as this list of the Best Batting Performance of Faf du Plessis in IPL history clearly show.
Best innings of Faf du Plessis in IPL:
5. 69 (43) vs Gujarat Lions (2016)
It seems like du Plessis’ time with Rising Pune Supergiants was an unfortunate one, as this list of the top 5 innings of Faf du Plessis includes yet another defeat with his former side. This time, it was in 2016 against fellow newcomers Gujarat Lions. Batting first, RPS posted a decent score of 163/5, helped by du Plessis’ 69 off 43 balls, which was studded with 5 fours and 4 sixes. In reply, however, Aaron Finch and Brendon McCullum got Gujarat off to a flier that helped them chase down their target with two overs to spare.
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4. 96 (55) vs Kings XI Punjab (2019)
Best innings of Faf du Plessis in IPL:: His stunning 96 off 55 balls against Kings XI Punjab in the 2019 edition of the tournament was once again in a losing cause! The South African came agonisingly close to his maiden IPL ton but was bowled by Sam Curran when he was 4 runs short, having hit 10 fours and 4 sixes. However, other than a half-century from Suresh Raina, CSK’s batting line-up failed as a whole as they posted only 170/5. In reply, newly-appointed Kings XI skipper KL Rahul’s 71 off 36 balls helped his side cruise to the win, finishing off the chase with 2 overs to go.
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3. 73 (52) vs Rajasthan Royals (2012)
Staying 2012 for the next du Plessis masterclass, we come to Chennai Super Kings’ match at home against the Rajasthan Royals. Led by Rahul Dravid, the Royals struggled their way to 146/4 in 20 overs, helped by Owais Shah’s gritty 52 off 43 balls. In reply, du Plessis, who opened with Subramaniam Badrinath, showcased his flexibility by not only taking on the unfamiliar role in the batting order but shining in it as well. The South African scored almost half of his side’s runs with a stellar knock of 73 off 52 balls, with 6 fours and 2 sixes as CSK claimed the win off the last ball.
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2. 71 (46) vs Royal Challengers Bangalore (2012)
Best Batting Performance of Faf du Plessis in IPL: This one helped his side to win the match and also won him the man of the match award, the next entry on this list of top 5 innings of Faf du Plessis comes from Chennai Super Kings’ 2012 encounter against Royal Challengers Bangalore. Batting first, RCB had put on an imposing total of 205/8, thanks to half-centuries from Chris Gayle and ViratKohli. However, aided by a resilient middle order, du Plessis’ 71 off 46 balls helped CSK achieve the target.
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1. 67(42) vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (2018)
This has to be the numero UNO innings of Faf considering the situation and the importance of match.It was first qualifier against Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2018. Carlos raithwaite scored 43 of 29 to give impetus to SRH innings to help them reach a competitive 139 considering the magnitude and pressure of match. Chennai Super Kings in reply very struggling at 62/6 in 13 th over with Faf and tail to company.Faf was at crease and not in mood to give up.He kept the score board ticking with some lusty blows and took the game deep.Shardul took some pressure of him by scoring 15 of 5 balls with 17 coming of second last over. Faf clinched the victory by hitting a six of first ball of last over & remained unbeaten with 5 boundaries and 4 half a dozens.
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