Australia under Du Plessis’s thumb

Injured Proteas skipper scores ton as South Africa go 2-0 up in ODI series


Afp October 03, 2016
South Africa captain Faf du Plessis celebrates after scoring a century during his team’s 142-run win over Australia in the second ODI. PHOTO: AFP

JOHANNESBURG: South African captain Faf du Plessis overcame a thumb injury to hit an aggressive century and set up a 142-run win over Australia in the second one-day international at the Wanderers Stadium yesterday.

Du Plessis made 111 as South Africa piled up 361 for six wickets after being sent in to bat.

Australia had a bad start and were bowled out for 219 in reply, leaving them 2-0 down and with a mountain to climb in the five-match series.

Du Plessis praised his team for what he described as “almost a perfect batting and bowling performance. The batsmen laid the basics well and the bowlers were exceptional”.

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He singled out opening bowlers Dale Steyn and Kagiso Rabada, who both claimed an early wicket and put Australia’s batting under immediate pressure.

Australian captain Steve Smith said he felt South Africa’s total was only 20 or 30 runs above par, given the history of the Wanderers pitch.

“But if you are chasing that sort of target you need a good start and you need things to go your way,” said Smith.

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Du Plessis was struck on the left thumb by a throw from Aaron Finch as he raced through for a quick single to score his first run. He immediately went down clutching the thumb and required lengthy treatment before resuming his innings.

The injury did not stop him playing some powerful drives as he reached his half-century off 42 balls.

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He reached his sixth one-day international century off 84 deliveries with 13 fours and was eventually caught on the boundary after facing 93 balls.

“Luckily I don’t use that thumb on my bat,” said Du Plessis while explaining his injury’s minimal impact on his performance.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 3rd, 2016.

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