Faf du Plessis scored another half-century but it wasn’t enough to help the Chennai Super Kings reach the record score set by the Rajasthan Royals.
Du Plessis, who is on a hot run of form following his 58* in CSK’s first match, scored 72 off 37 balls. However, it was always going to be tough trying to chase down 216 for victory. Ultimately, they fell 16 runs short.
It was a miserable day for the other Saffas involved. Lungi Ngidi was walloped, including going for 30 in his final over.
The Proteas seamer had conceded just 26 off his first three overs, but crumbled in the last, going for a series that read: 6,6,7nb,7nb,1w, dot, 1,1,1.
That helped CSK post a formidable score, which featured runs from Steve Smith (69 off 47) and Sanju Samson (74 off 32). David Miller, the only South African batsman in Rajasthan’s lineup, got a first-ball duck.
CSK got off to a strong start through Shane Watson (33 off 21) but lost wickets in quick succession after his dismissal and never looked like getting close, despite Du Plessis’ dogged innings and late charge by MS Dhoni (29* off 17).
Photo: @IPL/Twitter
