Quinton de Kock’s Spectacular Century Leads South Africa to a Dominant 382-5 Victory Over Bangladesh
Quinton de Kock once again displayed his exceptional cricketing prowess, notching up a magnificent century, which marked his third in the tournament. De Kock’s brilliant 174 propelled South Africa to a commanding total of 382-5 against Bangladesh at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Tuesday.
Despite facing a brief setback at 36-2 after winning the toss, the Proteas rallied strongly, accumulating a remarkable 144 runs off the last 10 overs of their innings.
Quinton de Kock, the left-handed opener, showcased his batting brilliance with a third century in just five World Cup innings. His previous centuries came against Sri Lanka and Australia with scores of 100 and 109, respectively. De Kock has made a remarkable start to what he has stated will be his final major one-day tournament at the age of 30.
Heinrich Klaasen also made a significant contribution with a blazing 90, adding to his 109 in South Africa’s dominant 229-run victory over reigning champions England at the Wankhede in sweltering conditions just days earlier.
Bangladesh’s bowling attack, under the watchful eye of former South Africa spearhead Allan Donald, faced a tough time as all seven bowlers struggled to contain South Africa’s onslaught. Mustafizur Rahman, their new-ball paceman, went wicketless in his nine overs, conceding 76 runs.
Fit-again Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan, participating in his fifth World Cup, was also unable to stem the flow of runs, finishing with figures of 1-69 in his nine overs.
South Africa faced a brief stumble after losing early wickets, but De Kock and stand-in captain Aiden Markram (60) steadied the innings with a partnership of 131 runs.
The decision to bat first, made by Markram, who was leading South Africa in the absence of regular captain Temba Bavuma due to illness, was no surprise, considering their previous performance where they posted a massive 399-7 after being sent in to bat by England.
South Africa faced some challenges when Reeza Hendricks and Rassie van der Dussen fell in quick succession, and Markram’s innings came to an end when he chipped a delivery from Shakib to long-off.
De Kock, however, continued his remarkable innings and completed his 20th century in 150 ODIs. Unfortunately, he fell short of what could have been a historic double century in the World Cup, as he was caught at deep backward point off Hasan Mahmud’s bowling. De Kock’s innings comprised 140 deliveries, featuring 15 boundaries and seven sixes.
Klaasen then took charge, hitting eight sixes in his 49-ball innings before being dismissed in the final over.
South Africa has won three out of their first four World Cup matches, with their only loss coming as a shock defeat to the non-Test side the Netherlands.
On the other hand, Bangladesh is struggling to secure a spot in the semi-finals after suffering three defeats in four games.
