A rare and surprising incident occurred in Lauderhill, Florida, during the Major League Cricket (MLC) 2025 clash between Texas Super Kings (TSK) and Seattle Orcas (SEO). TSK skipper Faf du Plessis made headlines by retiring out while batting on 91 runs, just nine short of what could have been a well-deserved century. The decision stunned fans and pundits alike.
Du Plessis was in sublime touch early on, scoring 84 off just 43 balls by the 15th over. He dominated the bowlers with power and precision, but his momentum started to slow down in the latter stages of the innings. In his next 9-ball stretch, he managed just 7 runs, with his sequence reading: 0, 0, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 0, 2.
Du Plessis Steps Aside, Ferreira Fails to Capitalise
With only one over left in the innings, du Plessis made the tactical decision to retire out, allowing big-hitter Donovan Ferreira to come in and attempt a quick finish. However, the gamble didn’t quite pay off—Ferreira managed only 3 runs before being bowled by Cameron Gannon.
Despite the slight stumble at the end, TSK posted an impressive total of 188/4. In reply, Seattle Orcas were bowled out for 137, handing TSK a comfortable 51-run win.
Du Plessis was named Player of the Match for his commanding innings—91 off 52 balls, which included 6 fours and 4 sixes at a strike rate of 175.00.
Interestingly, this wasn’t the first “retire out” of the day. Unmukt Chand had made the same move earlier in the LAKR vs MINY match. However, du Plessis became the first player in T20 history to retire out while in the 90s, making it a historic moment in the format.
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