The Texas Super Kings booked their spot in the Major League Cricket Challenger with a dominant 9-wicket victory over the defending champions MI New York in a one-sided Eliminator clash. At the heart of this emphatic win was a masterful performance by their captain, Faf du Plessis, who defied his 40 years with a blazing knock of 72 runs.
Opening Partnership Lays the Foundation
MI New York, after winning the toss and electing to bat, were dismissed for a modest total of 163 runs. Chasing this target, TSK openers Faf du Plessis and Devon Conway stitched together a match-winning opening partnership of 101 runs.
Du Plessis, displaying exceptional touch, took the bowling attack to the cleaners, smashing six boundaries and three sixes in his 47-ball knock. He controlled the tempo of the innings, ensuring TSK never lost control of the chase.
While du Plessis played the aggressor, Conway played a mature supporting role, accumulating a steady 50 runs off 42 balls. He ensured there were no hiccups after du Plessis’ dismissal by Nosthush Kenjige, guiding the chase towards a comfortable conclusion.
With the foundation firmly laid by the openers, Aaron Hardie provided the final flourish with a quickfire 34* off just 20 balls. His knock ensured TSK reached the target in just 18.3 overs, with nine wickets in hand.
MI New York’s Innings Falters Despite Rashid Khan’s Heroics
Earlier, MI New York’s batting failed to fire despite a valiant late effort from Rashid Khan. Openers Dewald Brevis and Nicholas Pooran fell cheaply, leaving them in a precarious position at 3/2.
Shayan Jahangir (26) and Monank Patel (48) attempted to rebuild the innings with a 49-run stand. While Patel’s patient knock provided some stability, it was Rashid Khan‘s late cameo that took MI New York to a defendable total. The Afghanistan superstar smashed a blistering 55 off 30 balls, including four sixes and four boundaries.
However, TSK’s disciplined bowling attack, led by Marcus Stoinis (2/18) and Noor Ahmad (1/37), never allowed MI New York to dominate. Their consistent bowling pressure ensured that Rashid Khan’s late fireworks wouldn’t be enough to secure victory.
Faf du Plessis’ leadership and batting brilliance were the defining factors in this match. At 40, he continues to defy expectations, proving his experience and skill remain valuable assets. With TSK now in the Challenger round, cricket fans can expect more such impactful performances from their ageless captain.
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