KEY POINTS
- Quinton de Kock hammered a career-best 115 runs off 49 balls to lead South Africa to a series-clinching victory.
- South Africa successfully chased down a formidable target of 222 with 15 balls remaining at SuperSport Park.
- The win secures an unassailable 2-0 lead for the Proteas in the three-match T20 International series.
Quinton de Kock delivered a masterclass in power hitting on Thursday to secure a series victory for South Africa. The veteran opener struck a breathtaking 115 from just 49 deliveries at SuperSport Park in Centurion. His efforts allowed the Proteas to hunt down a massive West Indian total with remarkable ease. This performance ensured South Africa claimed the three-match T20 series with one game still to play.
The West Indies began the day strongly after being sent in to bat first on a friendly surface. Shimron Hetmyer anchored the visitors’ innings with a brilliant 75 from 42 balls. He found a reliable partner in Brandon King, who narrowly missed a half-century by falling for 49. A late explosion from Sherfane Rutherford, who remained unbeaten on 57, pushed the West Indies to 221 for four.
Faced with a steep climb, South Africa relied on the explosive return of De Kock to the lineup. Using a borrowed bat from teammate Dewald Brevis, the left-hander reached his century in just 43 balls. This matched his own record for the fastest T20 ton against the same opposition at this venue. He cleared the ropes ten times during his stay at the crease, demoralizing the Caribbean bowling attack.
De Kock found excellent support from Ryan Rickelton, who played a crucial anchoring role for the hosts. Rickelton finished unbeaten on 77 from 36 balls, showcasing his own boundary-clearing ability. Together, the pair shared a massive 162-run partnership that effectively ended the contest as a spectacle. Their synergy at the top of the order allowed South Africa to reach 225 for three in just 17.3 overs.
The bowling honors for South Africa went to spinner Keshav Maharaj, who proved exceptionally disciplined. While other bowlers struggled with the high-scoring conditions, Maharaj claimed 2-22 in his four-over spell. His ability to control the middle overs prevented the West Indies from reaching an even more daunting total. This balance of sharp spin and aggressive batting defined the South African strategy for the night.
This victory provides a significant confidence boost for South Africa as they prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup. They have now successfully integrated returning stars with emerging domestic talent. For the West Indies, the loss highlights defensive vulnerabilities they must address before the global tournament begins. The two sides will meet one final time in Johannesburg on Saturday for the series finale.
