Faf du Plessis Takes Unreal One-Handed Catch In MLC 2025 As Texas Super Kings Stun MI New York, Video Goes Viral
In a moment that cricket fans will be replaying for days, 40-year-old Faf du Plessis pulled off a jaw-dropping one-handed diving catch in the Major League Cricket (MLC) 2025 showdown between Texas Super Kings and MI New York. The veteran South African's stunning effort at mid-off not only dismissed the dangerous Michael Bracewell, but also swung the momentum firmly in Texas' favor during a tense run chase.
A STUNNER FROM 40-YEAR-OLD CAPTAIN FAF DU PLESSIS pic.twitter.com/pcacaOoOlc — Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 14, 2025
Also Read: Who Did What In India vs India A: Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Shardul Thakur Shine In Closed-Door Match - In Pics
The electrifying encounter at the Oakland Coliseum showcased the best of T20 action—explosive batting, tactical bowling, and world-class fielding. But it was du Plessis' acrobatic leap that proved to be the game-defining moment, cementing his legacy as one of the finest fielders in franchise cricket.
MI New York Collapse Early, Bracewell-Patel Rebuild Strongly
After being set a competitive target of 186, MI New York's top-order crumbled under the pressure of Texas' disciplined new-ball attack. The innings was in disarray at 24/3 by the sixth over, with skipper Nicholas Pooran among the early casualties.
Just as the Super Kings looked poised for a comfortable win, the experienced Michael Bracewell and USA international Monank Patel stitched together a counter-attacking fourth-wicket partnership. Their chemistry at the crease revived MI New York's hopes as they raced past the 100-run mark, and by the end of the 13th over, they had lifted the score to a promising 119/3.
Faf's Diving Grab Dismisses Set Bracewell, Turns the Match
In the 14th over, with Adam Milne steaming in and the tension building, Bracewell attempted to carve a short-pitched delivery over the infield. What looked like a certain boundary turned into a highlight-reel dismissal, thanks to du Plessis' lightning-quick reflexes.
Stationed at mid-off, the former South African skipper launched himself full-stretch to his right, sticking out his right arm and completing the catch mere inches from the turf. The athleticism, awareness, and timing displayed were simply elite—a reminder that age is just a number when it comes to true class.
Bracewell's dismissal for a well-crafted 38 off 21 balls (3 fours, 2 sixes) derailed MI New York's chase just as it was gathering steam.
MI New York Falter After Key Wicket
The loss of Bracewell punctured MI New York's momentum, and they struggled to maintain the scoring rate in the death overs. Texas Super Kings capitalized on the opening, tightening their lines and taking regular wickets. The chase eventually fizzled out, handing the Super Kings a morale-boosting victory.
Bracewell, despite his batting fireworks, also impressed with the ball earlier in the day. His 2/34 in the first innings accounted for big scalps like Daryl Mitchell and Milind Kumar, making him MI New York's standout performer in an otherwise disappointing outing.
Du Plessis' Captain's Knock and MLC 2025 Leadership
Earlier, du Plessis had scored a brisk 18 off 15 balls opening the innings with Devon Conway, but his impact was felt far more in the field and as a leader. Having recently wrapped up a stint with Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025, the veteran has taken on full-time captaincy duties for Texas Super Kings, bringing with him tactical sharpness and calm leadership.
Why This Catch Will Be Remembered
In an era where franchise cricket is brimming with young, explosive talent, Faf du Plessis' one-handed screamer serves as a masterclass in athleticism, positioning, and anticipation. The moment is already trending across cricket social media circles and is bound to be one of the most replayed highlights of the MLC 2025 season.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
an hour ago
- News18
Pietersen Hails Markram For WTC Heroics: 'Best Innings Any South African'
Last Updated: Kevin Pietersen praised Aiden Markram's century against Australia in the World Test Championship final as the finest by a South African. Former England captain Kevin Pietersen hailed Proteas opener Aiden Markram's century against Australia in the World Test Championship final as the finest innings ever played by a South African batter in Test cricket. Markram's 136 from 207 balls propelled South Africa to a five-wicket victory, ending a 27-year drought for an ICC trophy. Markram made his test debut at age 22, heartbreakingly run out on 97, and has since scored eight centuries and 13 fifties. But his average of 36.50 has been below expectations. He came into the WTC final without a century in his last 16 test knocks and failed to get on the board in the first innings. Markram's knock at Lord's took the country to their first major cricketing triumph after decades of failure and ensured Markram a place in South African sporting folklore. Pietersen, speaking as a JioStar expert, said, 'Probably the best innings any South African batter has ever played in Test match cricket. It might not be the most attacking or entertaining in South Africa's Test history, but considering the expectation, the stage, and the pressure after failing in the first innings, it was extraordinary. Whether you're a batter or a bowler, the pressure to deliver when your country is counting on you is immense." He highlighted Markram's resilience despite the early loss of Ryan Rickelton. 'He still went on to produce something truly magnificent. It's hard to even describe the kind of pressure he was under," added Pietersen, who has South African roots. South African pacer Kagiso Rabada, whose nine-wicket haul contributed significantly to the win, lauded Markram as a 'big-match player'. He said, 'Aiden is a big-match player. The way he held his ground with such resolve was remarkable. His presence, the way he dominated his space, and stuck to his game plan without wavering was brilliant." Rabada admired Markram's concentration. 'You still had to bat really well on that pitch — it wasn't one where you could afford to be loose. They set off-side and leg-side traps, but he navigated all of it throughout his innings." (With inputs from PTI) First Published: June 14, 2025, 23:17 IST
News18
an hour ago
- News18
Hayden Shocked After WTC Final: 'Can't Even Remember Last Time Australia Lost'
Last Updated: Matthew Hayden praised South Africa for their crucial breakthroughs in winning the World Test Championship final against Australia. Former Australia opener Matthew Hayden praised South Africa for making crucial breakthroughs that led them to win the World Test Championship final on Saturday. 'The legacy of Australian cricket, with its results and performances in ICC events, shows how much this team excels on the big stage. I can't even remember the last time Australia lost at Lord's; it's been about 22 years of dominance here." 'So, for this South African team, which is relatively inexperienced compared to Australia in this World Test Championship cycle, this result is phenomenal. Take someone like Lungi Ngidi — almost unplayable in the first innings, and then in the second, he dismissed Steve Smith when it mattered most." 'That moment was huge. Smith is such an iconic figure in the Australian setup, and from there, South Africa kept the momentum going. That's what finals are about — finding a way," Hayden concluded. Australia captain Pat Cummins conceded his team faced an insurmountable challenge after their World Test Championship final defeat to South Africa at Lord's on Saturday. Cummins' side, the defending champions, were heavily favoured to prevail against a South African team lacking prominent stars. However, they succumbed to a five-wicket loss as South Africa, spearheaded by opener Aiden Markram's superb 136 and captain Temba Bavuma's 66, successfully chased a target of 282 before lunch on the fourth day. Australia held a 74-run first-innings lead but were unable to decisively pull away from the Proteas. South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada returned impressive match figures of 9-110. 'Things can change pretty quickly," Cummins admitted at the post-match presentation. 'Unfortunately, it was a bridge too far." Steve Smith's first-innings 66 was the only half-century by a specialist Australian batsman in the match. Smith, however, dislocated a finger dropping a slip catch and is now a doubt for the first Test against the West Indies in Barbados on 25 June. (With inputs from Agencies) First Published: June 14, 2025, 23:17 IST
India Today
an hour ago
- India Today
Not easy being South Africa captain: Temba Bavuma basks in WTC glory
As South Africa sealed their first ICC title in 27 years with a five-wicket win over Australia in the World Test Championship Final, captain Temba Bavuma didn't celebrate like the rest. He stood still on the Lord's balcony, head buried in his hands, letting the moment sink in. For him, this wasn't just about cricket — it was about years of personal sacrifice, leadership under pressure, and the long, painful wait of a nation craving a global at the post-match press conference, Bavuma opened up about the depth of emotion he felt when Kyle Verreynne hit the winning runs for the Proteas.. He admitted he had mentally flashed back through the struggles of the past few years — from South Africa's repeated heartbreaks at major tournaments to the immense expectations placed on him as captain. After their T20 World Cup final loss to India in 2024, this victory marked a powerful vs AUS, WTC Final: Highlights "I think when he (Kyle Verreynne) scored the runs, I kind of had my head in my hands. I guess I was just trying to embrace and acknowledge what we had just done. In that moment, I thought about the experiences I've had over the last couple of years," Temba said in the post-match press Bavuma, this wasn't just a captain's triumph. It was a deeply personal milestone as the first Black South African to lead his country to an ICC trophy. He spoke of what it meant to be recognised not just for his race, but for his leadership and contribution to the team's historic success. The pride, he said, wasn't just his own — it was something he hoped would resonate across the country and inspire future generations."It hasn't been easy. It's not easy being the captain of South Africa. And all the sacrifices, all the disappointments — in that moment, it really felt worth it. When you're going through it all, giving up is always an option. It's always there, at the back of your mind. But something pushes you on. And for me, it was that moment there," Bavuma said."To be recognised as more than just the Black African cricketer — to be seen as someone who's done something the country has wanted — that means a lot. That's something I'll definitely walk around with, with my chest out. And again, I can only hope that it inspires, and continues to inspire, our country," he the field, Bavuma played a captain's knock in the fourth innings, scoring a fighting 66 off 134 deliveries despite battling a hamstring strain. His gritty stand was part of a match-defining 147-run partnership with Aiden Markram, who produced a magnificent century in one of the greatest redemption stories in South African Africa's successful chase of 282 — the second-highest ever in the fourth innings at Lord's — was built on all-round brilliance. Kagiso Rabada led the charge with nine wickets across the match, ably supported by Marco Jansen and Lungi Ngidi, as Australia were bowled out for 207 in their second innings. From bowling discipline to batting composure, Bavuma's Proteas delivered a complete performance — and finally, a long-awaited moment of Watch
