One of the batting mainstays of the South African middle order, Faf du Plessis has proved an able successor to the legendary Jacques Kallis, albeit only with the bat. However, unlike his school friend AB de Villiers, Faf didn't exactly take the swift route to the national side and came into the team only when his Kolpak deal with Lancashire had expired. The former's stonewalling 110* to save the Adelaide Test catapulted him to instant stardom and established him as one of the key members of the Protea side. Later appointed full-time captain of the team, Du Plessis has emerged as a natural leader, especially in Tests. But given the long list of disappointments faced by South Africa at World Cups, Faf's credentials would be carved in stone if he can lead his team to glory in the marquee event.
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Reflecting on the team's performance against India, Faf du Plessis said Virat Kohli's men put up a professional performance and the absence of injured pacers like Dale Steyn and Lungi Ngidi hurt his side.
Du Plessis said he is addressing the situation with some strong worded message to the junior players.
South Africa have now lost the first two games of their 2019 World Cup campaign against England and Bangladesh respectively.
South Africa were thrashed by 104 runs by favourites England in the opening match of the ICC World Cup, which began at The Oval on Thursday.
South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis said that Dale Steyn makes their bowling attack a very strong one and his absence will force a change in their game plan.
Faf du Plessis will lead his side out at The Oval against the world’s top-ranked team, which is also chasing its maiden World Cup trophy.
The South African side is not counted among the favourites for the World Cup, but it has all the qualities to shed the infamous "choker" tag.
South Africa have not reached a final of a World Cup and have been knocked out at the semifinals stage four times in the past.
MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings reached yet another IPL final, and will take on arch-rivals Mumbai Indians in a riveting showdown for the trophy.
Du Plessis and Watson broke the rut on Friday, putting up 81 runs as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) successfully chased down a target of 148 set by Delhi Capitals (DC) to reach a record eighth final in 10 years.
The victory at SuperSport Park was set up by half-centuries from opener Reeza Hendricks (65 off 46 balls) and Rassie van der Dussen (64 off 44).
Faf Du Plessis finished on 112 not out and South Africa cruised to 232-2 to win with just over 11 overs to spare.
Test cricket continues to be the premier stage of the sport despite mushrooming of cash-rich T20 leagues around the world.
Perera almost single-handedly won the game but No. 11 batsman Vishwa Fernando played a crucial role as he hung around for 27 balls for his 6 not out to allow Perera, with nothing to lose.
Chandimal's omission follows scores of 5, 0, 15, and 4 in the two recent Test losses against Australia.
Pakistan were 147/1 at the start of the 17th over putting Miller in all sorts of trouble.
Seamers Kagiso Rabada and Dale Steyn have also been rested for the T20Is, while wicket-keeper Quinton de Kock and all-rounder Jean Paul Duminy will miss the games due to injury.
Miller was the man of the match just for his fielding — a rare feat.
Captain Faf du Plessis and newcomer Rassie van der Dussen saw South Africa home at Newlands and to a 3-2 series win with both men finishing on unbeaten '50s.
The home team's pursuit of Pakistan's impressive total of 317-6 was shaping up to be a thrilling one before rain intervened.
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