Quinton de Kock's Milestone Century Seals T20 Series for South Africa
In a spectacular display of batting prowess, Quinton de Kock marked his 100th Twenty20 International appearance with a stunning century, leading South Africa to a commanding seven-wicket victory over the West Indies on Thursday. The match, held in Centurion, South Africa, saw de Kock unleash a career-best 115 runs off just 49 balls, a performance that not only secured the win but also clinched the T20 series 2-0 for the Proteas.
De Kock and Rickelton's Dominant Partnership
De Kock, batting with a borrowed bat from teammate Dewald Brevis, was in sublime form from the outset. He reached his half-century in a mere 21 balls and accelerated to a century off 43 deliveries, showcasing an array of powerful strokes that included ten sixes and six boundaries. His aggressive approach saw him target five of the six West Indies bowlers, leaving the opposition struggling to contain the onslaught.
Partnering with Ryan Rickelton, who contributed a career-best 77 not out off 36 balls, de Kock forged a devastating partnership. The left-handers combined to score 162 runs in just 11.5 overs, maintaining a blistering run rate of 12 per over. Rickelton, initially playing a supporting role, capitalized on a dropped catch when on 17 and later accelerated to finish the match with nine boundaries and three sixes, ensuring South Africa chased down the target of 222 with 15 balls to spare.
West Indies' Strong Batting Effort Falls Short
Despite posting a formidable total of 221-4, the West Indies could not defend their score against South Africa's relentless chase. Shimron Hetmyer was the standout performer for the visitors, scoring a brisk 75 off 42 balls, including 50 runs from boundaries. He shared a 126-run partnership with Brandon King, who made 49 off 30 balls, but their efforts were overshadowed by South Africa's batting fireworks.
Sherfane Rutherford added a quickfire 57 in an unbroken stand of 76 with Romario Shepherd, who contributed 17. However, the West Indies' bowling attack faltered under pressure, with only spinner Keshav Maharaj standing out for South Africa, taking 2-22. Captain Aiden Markram praised Maharaj's spell, noting that without it, the target could have been as high as 240-250.
Series Victory and World Cup Preparations
This victory marks a significant turnaround for South Africa, who had lost five consecutive bilateral T20 series prior to this win. It also gives coach Shukri Conrad his first T20 series victory at the helm. The Proteas now lead the series 2-0, with the third and final match scheduled for Saturday before both teams head to the T20 World Cup, set to begin next week in India and Sri Lanka.
Reflecting on the match, Markram described de Kock's performance as "special to watch" and highlighted Rickelton's consistent contributions. De Kock, who was rested for the first T20 where Markram scored 86 not out, returned with a vengeance, demonstrating why he is considered one of the premier batsmen in the format. His century in this match follows his previous T20 hundred against the West Indies on the same ground in 2023, where South Africa chased down 258.
As both teams look ahead to the World Cup, this series has provided valuable momentum for South Africa, while the West Indies will aim to regroup and refine their strategies in the upcoming final match.
