Watch: 40-year-old Faf du Plessis pulls off vintage flying catch in SA20 Eliminator match
Published - 06 Feb 2025, 11:51 AM | Updated - 06 Feb 2025, 11:52 AM
Veteran cricketer Faf du Plessis showcased incredible athleticism during the SA20 2025 Eliminator match between Joburg Super Kings (JSK) and Sunrisers Eastern Cape (SEC). Faf du Plessis, who was leading the Super Kings, took a stunning catch to dismiss SEC opener David Bedingham in the knockout game.
Joburg Super Kings won the toss and opted to bowl at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Wednesday, February 5. The Aiden Markram-led team got off to a flying start against the new ball. The Sunrisers scored 46 runs in just 3.1 overs before Maheesh Theekshana removed Tony de Zorzi, who scored 14 off 9 balls.
Watch: Faf du Plessis Pulls Off Stunning Catch to Dismiss David Bedingham
On the first ball of the fifth over, Imran Tahir bowled a flighted delivery. David Bedingham attempted a lofted drive over mid-off but mistimed the shot. Faf du Plessis, who was at mid-off, displayed incredible athleticism by sprinting to his left, leaping, and taking a stunning two-handed catch in mid-air.
After du Plessis took the stunning catch, Imran Tahir celebrated in his signature style. Tahir ran across the field, mimicking football legend Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic 'Siu' celebration. Bedingham scored a quick 27 runs off 14 balls, with three fours and one six, leaving the Eastern Cape at 48/2 after 4.1 overs.
The SA20 League took to the official X (formerly known as Twitter) account to share the video, captioning the post: “Absolutely FAF-tastic. Faf du Plessis continues to defy the laws of physics.”
Absolutely FAF-tastic 🤯 Faf du Plessis continues to defy the laws of physics #BetwaySA20 #SECvJSK #WelcomeToIncredible pic.twitter.com/WAnGnTex5P
— Betway SA20 (@SA20_League) February 5, 2025
Sunrisers Defeat Super Kings by 32 Runs in Thrilling Eliminator Match
The Sunrisers defeated the Super Kings by 32 runs in a thrilling Eliminator match. Aiden Markram and Marco Jansen scored 29 runs off Lutho Sipamla’s penultimate over, which included three sixes, two boundaries, and a no-ball. Sipamla (0/72) ended with the second-most expensive figures in SA20 history.
Markram scored an unbeaten 62 runs off 40 balls, including 5 fours and 2 sixes, to help the Sunrisers reach a total of 184/6. In the chase, the Super Kings struggled, failing to build partnerships and ultimately finishing at 152/7. The Sunrisers will face the Paarl Royals in Qualifier 2 at the same venue on Thursday.
We Should Have Chased It Down - Faf du Plessis
Speaking after the match, Faf du Plessis said that the team performed well despite the injuries. Du Plessis believed the target of 180 was achievable, but the batting unit was below par and lacked someone to carry on for a big score.
"I thought we were excellent with all the injuries we had. The bowlers really stepped up, one of two overs in the backend were the difference, that's the game of T20 cricket. You get a night when someone gets a hold of you, and unfortunately, it was this night for us."
"This was a par score and we should have chased it down, but as a batting unit we have been under par. One of us needed to carry on and get a big score. I knew it would be a good wicket, we adjusted with the three spinners and they bowled really well. We should have chased that 180-odd. I think we showed great fight."
