'Unbelievable From Him Tonight...,' Faf du Plessis after an Intense Game against LSG
Faf du Plessis celebrates with his RCB teammates (IPLT20.COM)
Faf du Plessis upheld his recent reputation with another match-winning knock for the RCB this IPL 2023 season. In match number 43 of the tournament, the dynamic opener top-scored with 44 at the top of the order, and regained his ‘Orange Cap’ from Rajasthan Royals star Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Later, he tactically marshalled his troops as RCB successfully defended a 126-run total against LSG, i.e., the same batting line-up which recently hammered 257 against Punjab Kings.
Faf du Plessis hails Karn Sharma for match-winning spell
Faf du Plessis formed a 62-run opening stand with fellow veteran Virat kohli. However, the rest of the batting line-up failed to capitalise on the foundation laid out by the two, as RCB could manage just 126-9 in the end.
Nonetheless, their partnership turned out to be a match-winning one, as they prevailed in a low-scoring thriller by 18 runs.
Faf du Plessis was fittingly adjudged as ‘Player of the Match’ for his efforts. During the presentation ceremony, he acknowledged his partnership with Virat Kohli as a match-defining one, and defended his decision of batting first on a pitch which he claims is completely opposite from their home base in Bengaluru. He said:
“The pitch here and the one back in Bengaluru are complete opposites. To have a fifty partnership in the first six overs was a match-winning partnership in the end. Batting first was important. They had four spinners but it looked like right through, playing spin was hard work,"
He further stated that it was difficult for batters to score on the pitch and the RCB were initially targeting to post 135 upfront.
“It is a little bit easier for a captain, at the Chinnaswamy, it feels like the ball is going everywhere. I would have liked 135. In my mind, that was a really good score and we were going towards that score. Once again, if you come in on this pitch, it is really tough to score.”
The South African batting legend also praised veteran leg-spinner Karn Sharma, who often finds it difficult to bowl at a high-scoring Chinnaswamy back home. The skipper further welcomed Australian speedster Josh Hazlewood back in the side after his extended absence owing to injury.
“I am super happy for Karn Sharma. One of those guys who does the hard work all the time but does not get the recognition. Playing at Chinnaswamy is tough for a leg-spinner. Unbelievable from him tonight. We have missed Hazlewood's experience. Someone like him brings so much calmness and composure. Nice way to ease him into the competition.”
Faf du Plessis and co. will now go up against the Delhi Capitals on May 6. The match will be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.
 "Aakash Saini")
