Faf du Plessis, the 40-year-old captain of the Texas Super Kings (TSK), has etched his name into Major League Cricket (MLC) history with a series of record-breaking performances. Leading his team from the front, du Plessis not only powered TSK to a crucial victory over MI New York but also became the first batter ever to register multiple T20 centuries after turning 40—a feat never achieved before in the format’s history. With his latest unbeaten 103 off just 53 balls, he now holds the record for the most hundreds in MLC history, cementing his legacy as one of the league’s most dominant and consistent performers.
Key Achievements and Records:
- Most Centuries in MLC: Du Plessis now holds the record for the most centuries in MLC, with three tons to his name, a milestone unmatched by any other batter in the league’s short history.
- Leading from the Front: As captain, Du Plessis led his team by example, anchoring the innings after the early loss of his opening partner and forging crucial partnerships, including an 81-run stand with Donovan Ferreira, who scored 53 off 20 balls.
- T20 Cricket Milestones: This century was Du Plessis’ eighth in T20 cricket, placing him joint-fourth for the most centuries in the format alongside elite names like Jos Buttler, Rohit Sharma, David Warner, and Glenn Maxwell. Chris Gayle leads with 22, Babar Azam has 11, and Rilee Rossouw and Virat Kohli have nine each.
- Captaincy Record: Du Plessis also set a new world record for the most T20 centuries as captain, surpassing Babar Azam and Michael Klinger, who each had seven. Du Plessis now has eight centuries as a T20 captain.
- Age-Defying Feat: At age 40 (and now 41), he became the first player in the world to score two T20 centuries after turning 40, highlighting his enduring form and fitness.
Impact:
Faf du Plessis’ historic performance not only cements his legacy as one of the most explosive and consistent batters in MLC but also sets a new benchmark for leadership and longevity in T20 cricket. His record-breaking form is a driving force behind TSK’s strong campaign as they push for a spot in the playoffs.
