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Faf du Plessis is undoubtedly one of the finest cricketers to have played for South Africa. The former Proteas captain is still churning out runs in franchise leagues around the world. Du Plessis, who is currently in the United States of America, is captaining the Texas Super Kings in the Major League Cricket 2026. He celebrates his 42nd birthday on Monday, July 13. To celebrate this auspicious occasion, let’s take a look at the legendary batter’s top three performances in ODI cricket.
The three-match ODI series between Australia and South Africa was tied at 1-1 heading into the final game. South Africa had lost three wickets inside 16 overs, having scored just 55 runs at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart. Faf du Plessis and David Miller joined forces to forge a magnificent 252-run partnership off 199 balls, setting the foundation for the Proteas to post 320/5 in 50 overs.
Du Plessis finished on 125 off 114 balls, hitting 15 fours and two sixes. The tourists won the match by 40 runs and sealed a rare series win in Australia.
Another one of Faf du Plessis’ iconic knocks came in a series decider against India. The five-match series between India and South Africa was tied at 2-2, making the decisive fifth ODI at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai decisive. Du Plessis battled severe cramps and went on to score 133 off 115 balls, belting nine fours and six sixes. Centuries from Quinton de Kock and AB de Villiers also came in handy as the visitors posted 438/4 batting first. In reply, India were bowled out for just 224. This was a special moment in South African cricket as they won their first-ever bilateral ODI series in India.
Faf du Plessis’ best knock in ODI cricket came two years later. South Africa had already taken an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match ODI series against Sri Lanka at home in 2017. The fourth ODI was set to be played at Newlands, Cape Town. Du Plessis used the ODI as a chance to celebrate the series win. On a flat batting deck, the right-handed batter took the Sri Lankan bowlers to the cleaners. He smashed 185 runs off just 141 balls. His innings comprised 16 fours and three sixes. He finished with a strike rate of 131.20, getting out with four balls left in the innings. The Pretoria-born helped the home side post a massive first-innings total of 367/5. In reply, Sri Lanka fought hard but were eventually bowled out for 327 in 48.1 overs. Du Plessis was fittingly adjudged Player of the Match.
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