Du Plessis, Milne propel Texas Super Kings to top of table
Du Plessis made 91 before retiring out while Milne's five-wicket haul skittled Orcas for 137 in chase of 189
ESPNcricinfo staff
06-Jul-2025 • 15 hrs ago
Faf du Plessis made a 52-ball 91 • Sportzpics for MLC
Texas Super Kings 188 for 4 (du Plessis 91, Ranjane 65) beat Seattle Orcas 137 (Mayers 35, Milne 5-23) by 51 runs
Texas Super Kings produced a dominant all-round performance to crush Seattle Orcas by 51 runs and finish, for now, at the top of the table. With 14 points, Super Kings have a superior net run-rate than San Francisco Unicorns and Washington Freedom, who are placed second and third respectively but have a game to play in the group stage.
After being put in to bat, Super Kings were powered by a sensational 91 off 52 balls from captain Faf du Plessis, who retired out in the penultimate over of the innings. His innings included six fours and four sixes. Du Plessis was well supported by Shubham Ranjane, who smashed 65 off 38 balls as the pair stitched together a 131-run stand off just 71 balls that laid the foundation for Super Kings' imposing total of 188 for 4.
Orcas' bowlers had no answers once du Plessis and Ranjane got going, struggling to contain the run flow or break the partnership. Orcas did manage to take a couple of late wickets, but the damage was already done.
In the chase, Adam Milne led the charge with the ball, producing a spell that tore through Orcas' top and middle order. The fast bowler finished with 5 for 20, including a three-wicket 18th over.
Orcas made a sluggish start and were always behind the game after racing to 42 for 2 in the powerplay. Kyle Mayers top-scored with 35. But David Warner struggled to find any rhythm, while Shayan Jahangir fell for a duck. Shimron Hetmyer showed some intent, but with the required rate climbing rapidly and little support from the other end, the odds were heavily against him. His solo effort of a quick-fire 26 couldn't rescue the innings in their must-win clash. By the time Sikandar Raza walked in, the game had already slipped away with Orcas needing 98 runs off 47 balls. His impact came far too late.
Only three batters managed to pass 20 as Orcas were bundled out for 137 in 18.4 overs.
With a seventh loss in ten games, Orcas slipped to fifth with six points. Super Kings have to wait till tomorrow to see if they can hold on to the top-two position.