Faf du Plessis delivered a fantastic performance when it mattered the most, helping Chennai Super Kings (CSK) post a daunting target of 193 for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
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Chennai Super Kings (CSK) seem increasingly close to winning the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, all thanks to a South African player who has not even been selected in the nation’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2021. Yes, the player being referred to is none other than Faf du Plessis. Du Plessis smashed 86 runs off 59 deliveries in an innings comprising of seven boundaries and three sixes to help CSK post a massive total of 192 runs for the loss of three wickets against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The two teams are battling it out in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 final, with a target of 193 more often than not enough under pressure.
Du Plessis’ stunning knock sees him finish on the second spot in the race for the Orange Cap, trailing fellow opener Ruturaj Gaikwad by just two runs. The South African accumulated 633 runs in comparison to 635 for the Indian cricketer, who is now the youngest player to win the prestigious cap.
“I think Shakib was about to bowl two overs. I thought I should take on spin as I am a good player of spin. Faf also played lesser balls up front. It is stopping a little. We did brilliantly to get to 192 by hitting some brilliant sixes, off good balls too. We need to bowl well and back it up with the fielding. I wanted him (Faf) to hit that six and add those six important runs (for Orange Cap),” said Ruturaj as quoted by Cricbuzz.
Robin Uthappa and Moeen Ali showcased their ability to determine proceedings, smashing 31 runs off 15 deliveries and 37 from 20 balls respectively. The former’s knock included three sixes. Ali’s cameo comprised of two boundaries and three sixes.
Sunil Narine was the pick of the bowlers for KKR, accounting for two dismissals. Shivam Mavi also chipped in with a wicket.
KKR captain Eoin Morgan opted to field after winning the toss in the final. Morgan is going with an unchanged lineup from the team that defeated Delhi Capitals (DC) in Qualifier 2. This means the Kolkata-based franchise are missing out on the services of Windies all-rounder Andre Russell. The same is definitely a massive area of concern, considering the damage Russell is capable of. CSK are also unchanged. They are missing out on the presence of Suresh Raina, who has often been an absolute match-winner in crucial encounters.
“We are gonna have a bowl, the wicket looks good and there’s some dew around. Are gonna give it everything tonight. We are going with the same team,” said Morgan as quoted by Cricbuzz.
Dhoni admitted that he would have opted to field as well, considering the conditions. However, the CSK skipper stated that his players were prepared for any scenario, making losing the toss not that big of an issue.
“We are looking to bowl first as well, initially it stops a bit and as the game goes on it settles down and toss is uncontrollable and we are prepared for both. Started T20 in around 2005-06 and most of the games have been franchise cricket and in the last five years there have been a lot of T20 games in international cricket as well. We are playing with the same squad. Often what really dictates terms is the result and I feel our international players are equipped to deal with whatever the situation maybe,” said Dhoni.
