Faf du Plessis' heartfelt half-century sends message to World Cup selectors

Faf du Plessis marked his 100th IPL match with a 22nd half-century, causing further heartbreak to the Proteas fans who have been calling for his inclusion in the T20 World Cup.

It was a masterclass performance from the former Proteas skipper, who showed off his big match temperament with a stylish 59-ball 86 in the IPL final for Chennai Super Kings against the Kolkata Knight Riders.

He batted until the final ball of the innings, hitting a masterful 3 sixes and 7 fours as he helped his side post a total of 192/3.

What was the most impressive aspect of his knock was the calmness he showed regardless of the occasion, showing a complete T20 batting performance that was highlighted by deft touches, power-hitting and precise strike rotation.

Proteas fans who managed to catch Du Plessis’ 16th knock of this IPL campaign, would feel heartbroken as they prepare to support their team in a T20 World Cup without the IPL’s second-highest scorer of the campaign in the UAE.

Du Plessis finished the tournament just two runs short of his CSK teammate Ruturaj Gaikwad, with 633 runs, a strike rate of 138.20 and 6 half-centuries to his name.

Faf’s performance helped CSK set an unassailable total and a 4th IPL title.