Top 5 memorable knocks by Faf du Plessis in international arena across all formats

Faf du Plessis, a highly celebrated cricketer for South Africa, has not only led the nation admirably across formats but has also elevated the sport to new heights in his country. Alongside AB de Villiers, he is considered one of the best all-format players that have played the game in recent times. Du Plessis is known for his exceptional skills and elegant batting technique, which he continues to demonstrate at a high level in the IPL. He has showcased his adaptability by tailoring his game to suit different formats and match situations, making him a valuable asset to the team.

In addition to his batting prowess, Du Plessis is recognized as one of the greatest fielders of his era, renowned for his ability to take stunning catches. Notably, the 39-year-old is the only South African captain to have secured series victories against Australia both at home and away.

Du Plessis’ rare achievement of scoring centuries in all three formats further underscores his immense value to the team. In Test matches, the Pretoria-born has accumulated 4163 runs in 69 games, boasting an average of 40.03 with 10 centuries and a highest score of 199. , maintaining an outstanding average of 47.5 with 12 centuries. Additionally, in T20Is, he has contributed 1528 runs in 50 fixtures for South Africa at an average of 35.53, including one century.

Here are the top five most memorable knocks of Du Plessis in International cricket: 

1. Unbeaten 110 against Australia in 2012 Adelaide Test

On his Test debut in Adelaide in 2012, Faf Du Plessis scored a century at to save the Test (🎥:⬇️) pic.twitter.com/8fTCaQuGdE

— Anish Desouza (@ilegally_indian) July 9, 2023

Faf du Plessis made his Test debut during a crucial period when South Africa were defending their Test mace in Australia. In a memorable encounter against Australia in the 2012 Adealide Test, du Plessis played his greatest innings, showcasing immense resilience and concentration. After Australia scored 550 in their first innings and set an improbable target of 430, the South African stalwart stood firm, batting for 466 minutes and facing 376 deliveries. His defiant knock of 110 runs helped South Africa secure a draw, playing out a staggering 148 overs. Despite being dropped at 94, du Plessis displayed remarkable temperament and concentration to score his first Test century in his debut game, earning him the Player of the Match award. This knock highlighted his ability to focus under pressure and cemented his reputation as a player with exceptional skill and mental fortitude.

2. 119 off 56 balls against West Indies in 2015 Johannesburg T20I fixture

The former South African captain played his greatest T20I innings on January 11, 2015 against West Indies in 2nd T20I match. Batting at No.3, he displayed his explosive batting skills by scoring 119 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 212.50. His aggressive innings contributed to South Africa posting a formidable total of 231/7 in their allotted 20 overs. This century remains his only one in T20Is for South Africa. Despite the veteran cricketer heroics, the West Indies, led by a blistering knock of 90 off 41 deliveries from Chris Gayle, managed to chase down the target with 4 wickets to spare. Nevertheless, du Plessis’ outstanding performance earned him the ICC T20I Performance of the Year award for his incredible inning for the ages.

3. Exceptional 134 against India in 2013 Johannesburg Test

In a Test clash against India in December 2013, South Africa found themselves facing a near-impossible target of 458 for victory. However, Du Plessis played an extraordinary innings that brought his team agonizingly close to the victory. South Africa had scored 244 in their first innings in response to India’s 280. India then posted 421 in their second innings, leading many to believe that the Proteas would succumb to defeat. Nevertheless, du Plessis and his batting partner De Villiers forged a remarkable partnership of 205 runs, almost pulling off an improbable victory. The hosts finished their second innings with a score of 450/7, resulting in a draw and narrowly missing out on the win. Du Plessis’ exceptional 309-ball knock of 134 played a crucial role in the team’s valiant effort to chase down the daunting target.

4. Achieved highest score in Test format against Sri Lanka in 2020 Pretoria Test

Du Plessis achieved his highest score in Test cricket against Sri Lanka in December 2020. In his home ground at Pretoria, Sri Lanka batted first and set a total of 396 runs on the board. In response, the Proteas put up an imposing total of 621 runs, with du Plessis leading the way. He played a remarkable innings, scoring a classic 199 off 276 deliveries, including 24 boundaries. South Africa dominated the fixture as Sri Lanka faltered in their second innings, getting bowled out for just 180 runs. As a result, South Africa won the match by an innings and 45 runs, with du Plessis’ exceptional contribution playing a pivotal role in the victory.

5. Made a mesmerisng 185 against Sri Lanka in 2017 Capetown ODI

Du Plessis has had remarkable performances against Sri Lanka, both in Test and ODI games. He recorded his highest Test score of 199 against Sri Lanka, displaying his prowess against their bowling attack. In an ODI match on February 7, 2017, du Plessis delivered his best ODI knock against Sri Lanka. Playing in Cape Town, he unleashed a destructive innings, relentlessly punishing the Sri Lankan bowlers. In a 141-ball innings, du Plessis smashed 185 runs, propelling South Africa to a formidable total of 367/5 in 50 overs. Despite Upul Tharanga’s century for Sri Lanka, they fell short of the target by 40 runs. Du Plessis’ exceptional batting display proved instrumental in securing the victory for South Africa.