Faf du Plessis is rewriting cricket history and has achieved unprecedented success at the age of 41

Faf du Plessis has just redefined age in T20 cricket, setting the record as the oldest centurion at the age of 41 years and 340 days. Faf du Plessis added his name to the record books by becoming the oldest player in cricket history to score a T20 century. The veteran South African achieved success in his opening match of the 2026 Major League Cricket (MLC) season while representing the Texas Super Kings, helping the Chennai Super Kings affiliate franchise to a six-wicket victory over the Seattle Orcas.After winning the toss, Texas Super Kings opted to field first but initially the decision seemed to backfire as Seattle Orcas piled up an impressive 220 runs. Tim Seifert led the charge with a scintillating 104 off 66 deliveries while Shayan Jahangir contributed 78 off 47 balls. The pair combined for a record 191 start partnerships, the most ever by a US-based franchise, to propel Seattle into the lead.Texas Super Kings suffered an early setback in their chase when Saiteja Mukkamalla was dismissed by Jasdeep Singh for a golden duck. However, Du Plessis stood firm at the crease and settled the innings alongside Rilee Rossouw. The pair put together a crucial 95-run partnership for the second wicket to keep Texas firmly in contention.The partnership ended when Rossouw fell to Stoinis but du Plessis went on to anchor the chase from his end. Texas further endured a mini-collapse, with Milind Kumar and Shubham Ranjan on 13 and 10 respectively.Despite falling wickets frequently, du Plessis kept up the pace and found valuable support in the cameo of Wiaan Mulder, who smashed 31 runs from just 15 balls. Their efforts ensured that the Texas Super Kings successfully chased down the target and started their campaign with a memorable win.In the process, du Plessis became the oldest player ever to score a T20 century, reaching the milestone at the age of 41 years and 340 days. The veteran batsman’s innings was made all the more impressive by a remarkable knock of 217, underscoring his superior class in the shortest format.

Oldest player to score a T20 century

Player (Team) RunsBalls Faced4s6sStrike Count 100sAgeOppositionDateFaf du Plessis (Texas Super Kings)113*5297217.30241y 340dSeattle OrcasDallas18. June 2026Paul Collingwood (Durham)108*60104180.00141y 65dWorcestershireWorcester30 July 2017Graeme Hick (Worcestershire)11049108224.48141y 37dNorthamptonshireKidderminster29. June 2007Faf du Plessis (Texas Super Kings)103*5359194.33140y 351dMI New YorkDallas29. June 2025Faf du Plessis (Texas Super Kings)1005167196.07140y 342dSan FranciscoUnicornsDallas20. June 2025