Rain Halts Match as Du Plessis’ Century for Texas Super Kings Goes in Vain
In what promised to be a high-scoring thriller, the fifth match of the 2024 Cognizant Major League Cricket between Washington Freedom and Texas Super Kings ended in a washout due to rain. Both teams shared a point each at Church Street Park in Morrisville on Monday.
Faf du Plessis put on a masterclass in the first innings, scoring a commanding century and leading the Texas Super Kings to an impressive total of 203/5 in 20 overs. Washington Freedom began their chase with aggressive intent, with the Australian duo of Steve Smith and Travis Head making a rapid start. They reached 37/0 after three overs. Head, who was dropped by Dwayne Bravo off Zia-ul-Haq on the last ball of the third over, went on to score 24 runs, including two sixes and two fours, in the fourth over. Washington Freedom stood at 61/0 after four overs when rain interrupted play.
As the minimum five overs were not completed in the second innings, the DLS method could not be applied, resulting in a no-result match with shared points. Both of Washington Freedom’s opening games have been rain-affected so far, but they remain unbeaten and top the points table, while Texas Super Kings are fifth.
Earlier, Texas Super Kings opted to bat first. Openers Faf du Plessis and birthday boy Devon Conway got off to a flying start, reaching 67/0 in the Powerplay. Du Plessis batted fluently, with Conway playing a supporting role. The duo added 109 runs in quick time. Conway was the first to fall, dismissed by Saurabh Netravalkar in the 11th over after scoring 39 runs off 26 balls. The Super Kings then lost their second wicket in the following over when Aaron Hardie (2 off 5) was trapped LBW by Akeal Hosein, leaving them at 114/2 after 12 overs.
Aussie all-rounder Marcus Stoinis joined du Plessis and kept the runs flowing. Despite injuring his right hand in the 14th over, Stoinis played a crucial cameo of 29 off 18 balls, forming a partnership of 62 off 29 balls with du Plessis before being caught by Mukhtar Ahmed off Justin Dill in the 17th over.
Meanwhile, du Plessis continued his onslaught, reaching his century in 56 balls, taking the Texas Super Kings to 188/3 after 18 overs. He was caught by Steve Smith at extra cover off Saurabh Netravalkar in the following over, but the Super Kings batters ensured they crossed the 200-run mark. This was the first time a score of 200 was achieved at this venue and the first time any team crossed this mark this season, thanks to du Plessis’ remarkable knock of 100 off 58 balls, which included 12 boundaries and five sixes.
Brief Score:
Texas Super Kings: 203/5 (Faf du Plessis 100, Devon Conway 39, Saurabh Netravalkar 2/33)
Washington Freedom: (Travis Head 32, Steve Smith 26) – No Result
