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Quinton de Kock stuns cricket fans amid 'insane' World Cup drama

The Proteas batter inspired his side after smashing the biggest individual score at the Cricket World Cup so far.

andrew reid
·4-min read
Pictured here, South Africa's Quinton de Kock at the Cricket World Cup.
South Africa's Quinton de Kock smashed his way into the record books with a century at the Cricket World Cup. Pic: Getty/Fox Cricket

South Africa's Quinton de Kock has rewritten history after smashing the highest individual score at the Cricket World Cup so far to inspire his side to an impressive 149-run win over Bangladesh. The opener belted a stunning 174 from 140 balls to register his third century of the tournament and propel his side to an imposing 5-382 after skipper Temba Bavuma won the toss and elected to bat.

De Kock - who has announced he will step down from ODIs after the tournament - combined with Aiden Markram (60) in a 131-run stand to steady the innings after Bangladesh claimed the wickets of Reeza Hendricks (12) and Rassie van der Dussen (one) in successive overs. Heinrich Klaasen then tore apart the Bangladesh attack after plundering 142 runs from 87 balls to set up a big total for the Proteas.

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Bangladesh never threatened to chase the target down after collapsing to be 6-81 down at one stage. They managed to reach 233 all out thanks to a battling run-a-ball 111 from Mahmudullah.

It was the heroics of De Kock that stole the headlines though as the opener helped South Africa (8 points) cement its place in the top-three of the World Cup group stage, behind India (10 points) and New Zealand (8). Australia are in prime position to claim the fourth semi-final place. Like Pakistan and Afghanistan, they have four points but they have a game in hand and play the Netherlands on Wednesday night (AEDT).

De Kock is now closing in on Rohit Sharma's all-time record of five centuries at a single ODI World Cup - set in England four years ago. The 30-year-old also clinched a special piece of history after becoming the youngest South African player ever to score 20 ODI centuries. De Kock's stunning display left the cricket world in a frenzy on social media.

Quinton de Kock stars in South Africa win

Unsurprisingly, many fans are calling on De Kock to reconsider his ODI retirement plans, with the opening seemingly determined on making it a farewell tournament to remember. His sensational innings contained seven sixes and 15 fours.

"To be honest, I am a bit more tired than satisfied," the Proteas batter said. "It was a great day out for the guys. Everyone did their part and it is nice to get another two points on the board."

Seen here, Quinton de Kock celebrates after scoring his third ton of the Cricket World Cup.
Quinton de Kock celebrates after scoring his third ton of the Cricket World Cup. Pic: Getty

De Kock's exit brought no relief for Bangladesh as Klaasen and David Miller, who made 34 not out off 15 balls, continued the onslaught against Bangladesh by clubbing a combined 12 sixes between them. Klaasen belted 90 off 49 balls as South Africa plundered 144 runs from the last 10 overs. "The top six/seven are different in their approach but it gels quite nicely," Markram said.

South Africa's Marco Jansen did most of the damage with the ball, denting the Bangladesh top order by removing Tanzid Hasan (12) and Najmul Hossain Shanto (0) with successive deliveries. The match was effectively over when Bangladesh slumped to 4-42 inside 12 overs with skipper Shakib Al Hasan (one) and veteran Mushfiqur Rahim (eight) also back in the pavilion. Mahmudullah hit four sixes and 11 fours but could only delay Bangladesh's fourth defeat in five matches.

with AAP

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