Du Plessis 113* trumps Seifert 104 as TSK begin season with big win
A Record-Breaking Start to the MLC Season
The Major League Cricket (MLC) 2026 season kicked off in spectacular fashion in Dallas, delivering an instant classic that will be remembered for years to come. In a high-scoring thriller, Texas Super Kings (TSK) secured a dominant six-wicket victory over the Seattle Orcas, headlined by a legendary performance from Faf du Plessis.
Faf du Plessis Makes History
At 41 years and 340 days old, Faf du Plessis achieved a milestone that few thought possible. By scoring an unbeaten 113, he became the oldest centurion in T20 cricket history, eclipsing the previous record held by Paul Collingwood since 2017. His innings was a masterclass in aggression and precision, reaching the triple-figure mark in just 45 balls. By the time the dust settled, he had amassed 113 runs off a mere 52 deliveries, ensuring TSK chased down the imposing target of 221 with nine balls to spare.
The South African Connection
The success of the Texas Super Kings was largely built on a South African core that thrived under pressure. Rilee Rossouw provided the perfect foil for du Plessis, blistering his way to 49 runs off only 21 balls. The duo shared a vital 95-run partnership for the second wicket, which was completed in a staggering 37 balls, effectively taking the game away from the Orcas. Wiaan Mulder provided the finishing touches, contributing an unbeaten 31 off 15 balls to seal the result.
Seifert’s Valiant Effort in Vain
While the headlines belong to TSK, the Seattle Orcas provided a stern challenge. Tim Seifert played a magnificent knock, scoring the sixth T20 century of his career. Alongside Shayan Jahangir, who contributed a brilliant 78 off 47 balls, the pair built an opening partnership of 191 runs in 17.2 overs. However, the tempo of their innings proved to be the difference-maker. Seifert’s 104, while impressive, consumed 66 balls—a pace that, in hindsight, allowed the TSK bowlers to breathe easier during the middle overs.
Disciplined Bowling Secures the Win
The victory was not solely down to the batting pyrotechnics; the Texas Super Kings’ bowling unit also played a crucial role. Nandre Burger was the standout performer with the ball, showing immense control in a high-scoring game. Conceding just 27 runs in his four overs, his ability to apply the brakes was highlight-worthy, particularly his penultimate over which went for a miserly eight runs. This discipline ensured that the target remained within reach, allowing the batters to capitalize on a favorable deck.
Looking Ahead
This result sets a high bar for the remainder of the MLC 2026 season. For the Texas Super Kings, the win provides significant momentum and confidence in their explosive batting lineup. For the Seattle Orcas, despite the loss, the form of Seifert and Jahangir serves as a positive sign that they have the firepower to compete with anyone in the tournament. As the competition moves forward, fans can only hope for more matches of this quality, defined by individual brilliance and collective team effort.
Rohan Kapoor is a cricket editor and sports content analyst based in New Delhi with over 6 years of experience covering IPL, T20 leagues, and international cricket. He specializes in match analysis, player statistics, and tactical breakdowns, bringing data-driven insights to modern cricket audiences across India.
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