South African cricket stalwart Faf du Plessis has carved his name into the annals of T20 history with a monumental achievement. The veteran batter has become the first-ever player from South Africa to cross the coveted milestone of 10,000 runs in T20 cricket.
A Landmark Innings in the SA20
Du Plessis reached this historic landmark during the ongoing SA20 2025 season. Playing for the Joburg Super Kings, the 40-year-old showcased his enduring class in a match against the Durban's Super Giants at the iconic Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. It was during this innings that he surpassed the 10,000-run barrier, a feat no other South African has accomplished.
The right-handed batsman needed 34 runs to reach the milestone before the match. He achieved it in style, underlining his status as one of the format's most consistent and prolific performers over a long and distinguished career.
Joining an Elite Global Club
By entering the 10,000-run club in T20 cricket, Faf du Plessis has joined a truly elite group of international superstars. He is now in the company of legends like West Indies' Chris Gayle, Pakistan's Shoaib Malik, and India's Virat Kohli, who have all scaled this peak.
This achievement is a testament to du Plessis's remarkable longevity, adaptability, and sheer run-scoring prowess across leagues worldwide. From the Indian Premier League (IPL) to the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), and now in South Africa's premier SA20, he has been a dominant force for well over a decade.
The Significance of the Record
This record solidifies Faf du Plessis's legacy as one of South Africa's greatest white-ball cricketers. While the country has produced many explosive T20 players, du Plessis is the pioneer to reach this specific zenith. His career T20 statistics are awe-inspiring:
- First South African to score 10,000 T20 runs.
- Accumulated runs across a vast career spanning numerous franchises and international matches.
- Maintained a high level of performance well into his late 30s and now at 40.
- Known for his elegant yet powerful batting, combining classical strokeplay with modern innovation.
The record comes at a time when du Plessis continues to be a central figure in the SA20, leading the Joburg Super Kings with both bat and leadership. His achievement serves as an inspiration for aspiring cricketers in South Africa and around the world, proving that class and fitness can defy age.
As the SA20 2025 season progresses, all eyes will be on du Plessis to see how many more runs he can add to his historic tally. This milestone is not just a personal triumph but a moment of pride for South African cricket, celebrating a player whose contributions have been invaluable to the global T20 landscape.
