Twitter Reactions: Durban Heat fancy a playoff spot after Alex Hales' blitzkrieg

Courtesy a brilliant knock from Alex Hales, the Durban Heat has managed to keep itself alive in the MSL 2019. By mounting a huge peak in a wonderful chase, they not only stunned the Paarl Rocks but also removed them from the top position on the points table. The NRR of the Paarl Rocks got affected slightly after this encounter. Thus, they slipped down to the second position on the table. At the moment, the Durban Heat are at the fourth spot and will surely fancy making it through.

In what was a high-scoring game, the Paarl Rocks were asked to bat first. Henry Davids looked good but couldn’t capitalise on what was a wonderful batting track. He got out after scoring 14 runs. However, Cameron Delport and Faf du Plessis ensured that they made the most of the opportunity that they got. Both these players played beautifully and registered half-centuries.

While the left-hander got out after mustering 84 off 49 balls, the skipper remained unbeaten on 66 off 36 deliveries. James Vince with his run-a-ball 25 towards the end upset the momentum. Thus, the Rocks couldn’t get past 200 and had to settle for 195/2.

Alex Hales falls marginally short of a well-deserved century

The Durban Heat lost a couple of quick wickets in the chase. Wesley Marshall and Wihan Lubbe were dismissed for 13 and 12 runs respectively. However, Alex Hales ensured that he didn’t go into a shell and kept the pressure on the opposition. He was involved in a match-winning partnership with David Miller who scored 40 runs off 22 balls before Tabraiz Shamsi dismissed him.

In this herculean chase, Alex Hales alone raced his way to a 55-ball 97. The pitch seemed to have got better under the lights and the England cricketer made the most of it. He finished the chase with a four and a six but missed out on a well-deserved century. Durban Heat completed the chase in 18.5 overs and with 6 wickets to spare. The fans were absolutely delighted with this performance from Alex Hales. They also seemed to have enjoyed the knocks of Faf du Plessis and Cameron Delport.

Here is how Twitterati reacted after this game:

Tabraiz Shamsi just did the most bizarre celebration in the history of any sport!

How did this happen 😱#MSL2019 pic.twitter.com/KH913TLL7n

— Vinesh Prabhu (@vlp1994) December 4, 2019

Man of the match performance from Alex Hales. #MSL2019

— Banele Pikwa (@BanzaRP) December 4, 2019

#MSL2019
How did Shamsi do that😲😲

— Gumball Waterson🇿🇦🇵🇹 (@Gumball_SBO) December 4, 2019

It's Miller time!!!! #MSLT20 #MSL2019

— LegStumpYorker (@selbornator) December 4, 2019

Yesterday, Ben Dunk – 99*(54)
Today, Alex Hales – 97*(55)#MSL2019

— Johns (@CricCrazyJohns) December 4, 2019

Captain 50 Runs 29 balls #msl2019 @faf1307 #whistlepodu #captaincool #Yellove #Yellove pic.twitter.com/Rbpfyz6XFN

— Saravanan Hari 💛🦁🏏 ‏ (@CricSuperFan) December 4, 2019

#MSL2019 Another great game today .

— Lnamandla Mgcuwa (@lnamandla) December 4, 2019

Wait seeing the SC now
Nd the Sh*t did Vince do#MSL2019

— Priyansh (@Pricd05) December 4, 2019

@RobbieKruse now how was that performance from the @durban_heat #MSL2019 @AlexHales1 You are a legend🔥🔥🔥

— ѕυмєѕнαη кιѕтєη™ (@sumeshank) December 4, 2019

Honestly, The #MSL2019 Has Been Very Thoroughly Entertaining. Great run chases we've seen in the last couple of days

— Junior (@JuniorMbatha_) December 4, 2019