Du Plessis 113* trumps Seifert 104 as TSK begin season with big win
A Historic Start to the MLC Season
The 2026 Major League Cricket season-opener in Dallas provided fans with an absolute thriller, where Du Plessis 113* trumps Seifert 104 as TSK begin season with big win. In a match defined by high-scoring brilliance and record-breaking individual performances, the Texas Super Kings (TSK) managed to chase down a formidable target of 221 with nine balls to spare, defeating the Seattle Orcas by six wickets.
Faf du Plessis: The Record-Breaking Centurion
The headline act of the day was undoubtedly Faf du Plessis. At 41 years and 340 days old, the veteran batter produced an innings for the ages, breaking Paul Collingwood’s long-standing record for the oldest player to score a T20 century. Collingwood had held that milestone since 2017 at 41 years and 65 days, but du Plessis shattered that mark with a blistering display of skill and power.
His innings was a masterclass in modern T20 batting, reaching his century off just 45 balls. By the time the dust settled, he remained unbeaten on 113 off 52 deliveries. This wasn’t just a display of longevity; it was a clinical dismantling of the Orcas’ bowling attack, ensuring the Super Kings stayed ahead of the required run rate throughout their chase.
The South African Connection
The successful chase was built on a foundation of aggressive South African dominance. Rilee Rossouw was instrumental in providing the necessary momentum, contributing a quick-fire 49 off 21 balls. The partnership between du Plessis and Rossouw was the turning point of the game, as they put together 95 runs in just 37 balls, effectively taking the game away from Seattle before the middle overs could even settle in.
Wiaan Mulder provided the finishing touches, hitting an unbeaten 31 off just 15 balls to ensure the TSK reached the target with clinical efficiency. The sheer speed of the chase underscored the difference in intent between the two sides, as TSK maintained a relentless tempo from the first ball.
Seifert and Jahangir’s Efforts for Seattle
Despite the eventual loss, the Seattle Orcas put up a valiant fight in the first innings. Tim Seifert, who notched up his sixth T20 century, played a vital role, though his 104 took 66 balls. While his individual effort was commendable, the strike rate became a point of discussion when compared to the blistering pace set by the Texas side. Shayan Jahangir supported him brilliantly with 78 off 47 balls, and the pair combined for a massive 191-run partnership in 17.2 overs.
Ultimately, the Orcas’ total of 220 for 2, while impressive, proved to be insufficient against the high-octane response from the Super Kings. The pitch in Dallas proved to be a batting paradise, but it was the tactical aggression and superior strike rate of the TSK batters that dictated the outcome of the match.
Nandre Burger’s Decisive Spell
While the batters dominated the headlines, the bowling of Nandre Burger deserves special mention. In a game where bowlers were consistently taken to the cleaners, Burger remained calm and effective. He conceded only 27 runs in his four-over quota. His 19th over was particularly impressive, going for just eight runs, which prevented the Orcas from pushing their total beyond 220 and effectively capped their momentum at a crucial juncture. For TSK, this victory is more than just an opening win; it is a statement of intent for the rest of the 2026 season.
