MLC 2026 Season Opener: Faf du Plessis' Century Sparks Texas Super Kings' Dominant Victory Over Seattle Orcas Faf du Plessis etched his name into the history books as the oldest men’s T20 centurion on June 18, 2026, when he led Texas Super Kings (TSK) to a commanding six-wicket win over Seattle Orcas in the MLC 2026 season opener in Dallas. The match, which saw TSK chase down a target of 221 with nine balls remaining, showcased du Plessis’ exceptional form as he scored an unbeaten 113 off 52 balls, breaking the previous record held by Paul Collingwood. At 41 years and 340 days, du Plessis surpassed Collingwood’s age of 41 years and 65 days, set during the 2017 T20 World Cup. The victory was a masterclass in teamwork and precision, with TSK’s innings dominated by South African stars. Du Plessis formed a formidable second-wicket partnership with Rilee Rossouw, who smashed a 21-ball 49 to lay the foundation for the chase. The duo added 95 runs in just 37 balls, setting the tone for TSK’s aggressive approach. Wiaan Mulder then stepped up with an unbeaten 31 off 15 balls, ensuring the target was comfortably reached. Seattle Orcas, on the other hand, struggled to match the intensity of their opponents. Tim Seifert, the Orcas’ opening batsman, scored his sixth T20 century with a patient 104 off 66 balls, while Shayan Jahangir contributed 78 off 47 balls. The pair’s 191-run partnership in 17.2 overs was a highlight of Orcas’ innings, but their slow scoring rate contrasted sharply with TSK’s explosive chase. The performance of TSK’s bowlers was equally crucial in securing the win. Left-arm quick Nandre Burger played a pivotal role, conceding just 27 runs in his four overs. His 19th over, which yielded only eight runs, proved decisive in limiting Orcas’ momentum.#faf_du_plessis #texas_super_kings #seattle_orcas #mlc_2026 #rilee_rossouw
MLC 2026 Season Opener: Texas Super Kings Triumph Over Seattle Orcas Texas Super Kings secured a commanding six-wicket victory over Seattle Orcas in the opening match of the MLC 2026 season on June 18, 2026, at Dallas. Faf du Plessis starred with an unbeaten 113 off 52 balls, becoming the oldest male T20 centurion in history and leading his team to a dominant chase of 221 runs. The win marked a strong start for TSK, who overcame a slow Orcas innings to claim the scalp of the defending champions. Du Plessis, aged 41 years and 340 days, surpassed Paul Collingwood’s previous record of 41 years and 65 days set in 2017. His century came in just 45 balls, with the South African captain steering TSK to a comfortable finish with nine balls remaining. The chase was anchored by a scintillating 95-run second-wicket partnership between du Plessis and Rilee Rossouw, who smashed a 21-ball 49. The duo’s innings, completed in 37 balls, laid the foundation for TSK’s victory. Wiaan Mulder added urgency to the chase with an unbeaten 31 off 15 balls, ensuring the hosts crossed the target with ease. Seattle Orcas, batting first, posted 220 for 2, with Tim Seifert scoring his sixth T20 century at a slower pace. The 38-year-old opener took 66 balls to reach his 104, forming a 191-run partnership with Shayan Jahangir (78 off 47 balls) in 17.2 overs. Despite their efforts, Orcas’ innings lacked the aggression seen in TSK’s chase, which highlighted the gap in momentum between the two teams. The performance of TSK’s bowlers was equally crucial. Left-arm quick Nandre Burger played a pivotal role, conceding just 27 runs in four overs. His 19th over, which yielded only eight runs, proved decisive in restricting Orcas’ scoring. The TSK bowling attack’s efficiency complemented du Plessis’ innings, ensuring a comprehensive victory.#faf_du_plessis #texas_super_kings #seattle_orcas #mlc_2026 #rilee_rossouw
