MLC 2024: Faf du Plessis, Marcus Stoinis star in Texas Super Kings' Thrilling Victory Over MI New York

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Dallas, (Texas), Jul 15: What began as a seemingly comfortable victory for the Texas Super Kings (TSK) over MI New York (MINY) turned into a tense and thrilling finish, thanks to a spirited fightback by Rashid Khan and Monank Patel during their Major League Cricket (MLC) 2024 fixture at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas on Monday (July 15).

With this win, the Super Kings jumped to the second spot in the points table with 6 points in 5 games. Faf du Plessis-led side has won two games, lost one and one of their games was abandoned.

Chasing a target of 177, MI New York faced early setbacks due to Marcus Stoinis' devastating bowling spell. They lost three crucial wickets in quick succession, including that of the dangerous Nicholas Pooran (1), all within the powerplay. The situation worsened when skipper Kieron Pollard (5) fell cheaply, leaving MINY reeling at 52/5 in 11.2 overs.

At this stage, the match appeared firmly in TSK's grasp. However, Rashid Khan (50) stepped onto the field and injected much-needed energy into the innings. His aggressive approach stabilized the innings and brought out the best in Monank Patel (61). The pair found boundaries at regular intervals, turning the tide against TSK.

The duo held on for a 97-run stand for the 6th wicket, giving MINY a glimmer of hope. However, Dwayne Bravo's experience came to the fore in the crucial 19th over, where he conceded just 8 runs, effectively sealing the game for the Texas Super Kings. Despite the late scare, TSK held their nerve and secured a 15-run win.

Earlier in the day, Faf du Plessis capitalized on the powerplay, smashing the MI New York bowlers across the field. His aggressive approach paid off with a quickfire fifty, setting a strong foundation for the Super Kings, scoring 176/6.

The breakthrough for MI New York came in the 9th over when left-arm spinner Nosthush Kenjige was introduced into the attack. Despite being expensive, Kenjige managed to dismiss du Plessis, who was caught at long-on by Tim David while attempting another big hit, having scored 61 in 38 balls.

New Zealand's Devon Conway provided valuable support with a handy knock before Faf's dismissal, but he fell short of his fifty, getting dismissed for 40 by Ehsan Adil in the 14th over. The Super Kings then faced a mini-collapse, losing key wickets, but Marcus Stoinis stepped up towards the end with some powerful shots, propelling the Super Kings past the 175-run mark.

In the bowling department, MI New York had their moments. Rashid Khan was the standout performer, maintaining an economical spell with figures of 1/17. Trent Boult also claimed a couple of wickets but was quite expensive on the day.

Brief Scores: Texas Super Kings 176/6 (Faf du Plessis 61, Devon Conway 40, Rashid Khan 1/17) beat MI New York 161/7 (Monank Patel 61, Rashid Khan 50, Marcus Stoinis 4/50) by 15 runs.