In a spectacular display of batting prowess, Quinton de Kock, for the second consecutive match in the World Cup, crafted a century, propelling South Africa to a formidable total of 311-7 in their group encounter against a slipshod Australia, who regrettably grassed five catches during their innings.
The 30-year-old De Kock, known for his explosive batting, achieved his 19th One-Day International (ODI) century, a masterful 109 off 90 deliveries. His innings featured an array of eight boundaries and five towering sixes, a fitting encore to his century in South Africa’s tournament opener against Sri Lanka.
Of particular note is the fact that De Kock was right at home at the Ekana Stadium, a familiar venue where he plies his trade for the Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
However, De Kock’s remarkable innings was eventually curtailed when he was dismissed for 109, the victim of a clever delivery from off-spinner Glenn Maxwell. The dismissal came as he attempted a reverse sweep during the 35th over.
Maxwell, acknowledging De Kock’s exceptional talent, commented during the innings break, “I’m sick of watching him score runs, feels like it happened a lot against us. He’s a superstar.”
At the time of De Kock’s departure, South Africa stood at 197-3, but Aiden Markram stepped up to assume the mantle. Markram, who had blazed to the fastest century in the World Cup, a mere 49-ball feat in the match against Sri Lanka, accelerated to 56. His innings was enriched by a lifeline, courtesy of a dropped catch by Australia’s skipper Pat Cummins when Markram had barely crossed a single run.
Australia’s day in the field was marred by numerous errors, with South Africa’s captain, Temba Bavuma, also granted a pair of reprieves on scores of 19 and 32. This echoes the earlier match where Mitchell Marsh dropped India’s Virat Kohli, who went on to secure a match-winning 85 runs.
Bavuma’s luck eventually waned at 35 when he was nabbed by David Warner at midwicket off Maxwell.
In partnership with De Kock, the skipper had established a pivotal 108-run opening stand. Following Markram’s dismissal by Cummins, South Africa witnessed Marco Jansen (26) and David Miller (17) steering them past the 300-run mark. The innings concluded with both Miller and Jansen falling in the final over, a double-wicket maiden over meticulously executed by Mitchell Starc.
Notably, South Africa’s imposing total could have been tamed earlier in the penultimate over when Starc and Marcus Stoinis both grassed chances, with Starc dropping Miller and Stoinis offering a lifeline to Jansen, both off the bowling of Cummins.
Reflecting on their performance, Maxwell commented, “They were well ahead and on track for 350-plus, but in the last 15 overs, we pulled it back well and took wickets regularly. We’re proud of how we pulled it back.”
In summary, South Africa set a formidable target of 311-7, with De Kock’s resplendent century being the cornerstone of their innings, while Australia endured a day of missed opportunities in the field.
