Quinton de Kock sent out a wake-up call ahead of the T20 World Cup when he broke South Africa’s T20 run-scoring record, surpassing the long-standing mark held by Faf du Plessis. The left-hander reached the milestone in emphatic fashion when he produced a sensational 43-ball century in the second T20I against the West Indies at the SuperSport Park in Centurion on Thursday, January 29.
De Kock now sits atop South Africa’s T20 run charts with a staggering 12,113 runs from 430 matches at an average of 31.46 at a strike rate of 139.10. His record includes eight centuries and 81 fifties, underlining his consistency and longevity in the shortest format. His hundred against the West Indies was also the third-fastest by a South African in T20Is, bettered only by David Miller’s 35-ball feat against Bangladesh in 2017 and Dewald Brevis’ 41-ball feat against Australia last year.
SA vs WI, 2nd T20I Highlights
In the night, De Kock bowled and smashed 115 off just 49 deliveries, with six fours and 10 sixes. His brutal attack guided South Africa to a stunning chase of 222 in just 17.3 overs to seal a seven-wicket win and a 2-0 series lead with one match to play.
With form, firepower and records on his side, De Kock is peaking at the perfect time – making him one of the most dangerous batsmen heading into the T20 World Cup.
DE KOCK ROCKS WEST INDIES
De Kock produced a breathtaking exhibition of power and precision as he single-handedly dismantled the West Indies attack in Centurion. From the moment he came off the mark, the left-hander was in complete control, punishing anything that was remotely free. He raced to his half-century in just 21 balls, feasting on pace and spin with effortless strokes, sharp cuts and lofted strokes.
The West Indies bowlers had no answers as de Kock repeatedly loosened the ropes and sent Roston Chase, Jason Holder and Jayden Seales into the stands. His century was defined by calm authority rather than wild celebration. Even clever variations – slower balls, cutters and wide lines – could not contain him as he continued to search for the boundary at will.
The onslaught came to a head against Akeal Hosein, who de Kock took on and chased him for a string of back-to-back sixes before finally tackling Brandon King at mid-off. The standing ovation said it all. It was a masterclass in T20 batting – and a chilling warning to the rest of the world of the damage it can do at the top of the order.
– The end
Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
January 30, 2026
