Faf du Plessis creates history, breaks Shoaib Malik’s world record to achieve historic feat

Faf du Plessis continues to etch his name in T20 cricket history. The experienced South African reached another milestone in a crucial SA20 encounter, scoring a blistering 44 from 21 deliveries for the Joburg Super Kings against MI Cape Town. These innings propelled him to cross the 12,000-run milestone in T20s, becoming only the 10th player to achieve this feat. With over 400 innings, eight centuries and an impressive 82 half-centuries, du Plessis’ consistency is remarkable. Even more extraordinary was that he surpassed 12,000 runs after turning 41, a period when most cricketers either retire or slow down significantly.

Faf du Plessis creates history

At 41 years, 178 days old, du Plessis sets a new standard as the oldest player to reach 12,000 T20 runs, narrowly surpassing Shoaib Malik (40 years, 315 days) and Chris Gayle (39 years, 31 days). Judging by his current form and outstanding fitness, it is clear that du Plessis is far from done and could add another few thousand runs to his tally before hanging up his boots.

The T20 journey spans the entire world; Joburg Super Kings in SA20, Texas Super Kings in Major League Cricket, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots and St Lucia Kings in the Caribbean Premier League, Perth Scorchers and Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League, Northern Superchargers (now Sunrisers Leeds) in The Hundred, Comilla Victorians, Quetta Gladiators and Peshawar in the Bangladesh Premier League, Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League, Paarl Rocks and Paarl Rocks in the Mzansi Super League. County cricket for Kent and Lancashire on Vitality Blast.

But it is in the Indian Premier League where du Plessis arguably left his most significant legacy. Du Plessis, who has represented multiple franchises (most notably Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the latter of which he captained), was released by RCB ahead of the 2025 auction and opted to forego the IPL in favor of the PSL this year. This could mark the end of his IPL journey, a remarkable stretch in which he amassed 4,773 runs in 154 matches, including 39 half-centuries. This stands as testament to a remarkable career.

“After 14 seasons in the IPL, I have decided not to put my name up for auction this year. It is a big decision and looking back I think I am very grateful,” Du Plessis said in a statement on social media.

“I have had the opportunity to play with world-class teammates, on great teams and in front of fans whose passion is like no other.

“India has given me friendships, lessons and memories that have shaped me as a cricketer and a person.”

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