MLC 2023: Faf du Plessis' fielding brilliance sinks MI New York in Dallas

Cricket fans saw an exhilarating contest between Texas Super Kings (TSK) and MI New York (MINY) on Tuesday in the inaugural Major League Cricket. Faf du Plessis, who is leading TSK, won the toss and opted to bat first. He could not get going as he departed for just eight. His fellow opening partner, Devon Conway, however, got his eye in and played an exceptional knock of 74 in 55 balls to take TSK to 154/7 in 20 overs.

In reply, MINY batters could not up the ante when required and eventually fell short of TSK's total by 17 runs. In the second innings, du Plessis' commendable agility was on show as he held onto three stunning catches to derail MINY's chase.

The first catch was of Hammad Azam, where the former South African captain slid in to hold onto a flat-batted hit off the bowling of Dwayne Bravo at long-off. Next was the big wicket of the in-form Tim David, who hit one up in the air off Daniel Sams. The 39-year-old ran across to his left and dived at the optimum moment to take a spectacular catch. The third and final catch came off the very next ball as Kagiso Rabada perished at long-off to an off-cutter. This was the simplest catch among the three that du Plessis took, but he made it look easier with his immaculate technique.

Texas Super Kings move to top of the table

Faf du Plessis and Co. got off to a flying start in MLC 2023 as they demolished Los Angeles Knight Riders in the first match, winning by 69 runs. TSK followed it up with an agonising six-run loss against Washington Freedom in their second encounter. Tuesday's win against MINY in Dallas took TSK to the top of the points table.

In three matches, du Plessis' men have two wins and four points in their kitty. While Seattle Orcas also have two wins in two matches, TSK's net run rate is better, and that is why they find themselves comfortably sitting at the top of the table. Orcas will face the Super Kings in Morrisville on Saturday, July 22.