Quinton de Kock ton powers Proteas to series win over West Indies in Centurion run-fest

SOUTH Africa wrapped up the T20 International series against West Indies with a commanding seven-wicket win at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Thursday, chasing down a daunting target to clinch an unassailable 2-0 lead with one match remaining.

The evening belonged to Quinton de Kock, who marked his return to the side with a sensational 115 as the Proteas surged to 225/3 with 15 balls to spare in pursuit of West Indies’ imposing 221/4.

De Kock, recently crowned Betway SA20 player of the season, tore into the bowling attack from the outset, striking 10 sixes and six fours while reaching his century off just 43 balls. He also passed 12,000 career T20 runs during the innings.

Proteas domination

Ryan Rickelton provided the perfect foil, finishing unbeaten on 77 from 36 balls as the pair dominated a decisive 162-run partnership that broke the chase open. Jason Smith added the finishing touches with an unbeaten six off three deliveries to ensure there were no late nerves.

Reflecting on his return at a familiar venue, De Kock said: “Yeah, it was fun, I guess. Nice to get back out in the Proteas' colours again, back in Centurion. Yeah, I do. It was an old home ground for me, so I'm quite familiar with the wicket. I've also played a lot of international cricket here, so familiar with what the conditions felt, so pretty much used to it.”

He added that the chase required little discussion at the interval. “Honestly, there wasn't a chat. No, I mean, we've been in this position before on this ground, we know this wicket can produce high-scoring grounds, so it wasn't like we didn't say anything, we just padded up and just walked out to bat and we just carried on with the game. 

“So yeah, it wasn't much to it, to be honest, it's just a matter of just knuckling down and just getting the job done.”

There was also humour after the match, with De Kock revealing he used Dewald Brevis’s bat. “Yeah, I just made a mistake. I left some bats at home and I decided to just borrow one of young Brevi's bats. 

“He did proceed to tell me before the game, it's going to be a good bat, I gave you a left-hander's bat. So whatever the hell that means. So yeah, it worked out well.”

Windies fight hard, but fall short

Earlier, West Indies posted a formidable total thanks largely to Shimron Hetmyer’s 75 from 42 balls and Sherfane Rutherford’s unbeaten 57 from just 24 deliveries. Brandon King contributed 49 as the visitors punished the Proteas’ seamers, particularly in the powerplay.

South Africa’s bowlers regrouped through the middle overs, with Keshav Maharaj returning figures of 2/22 while Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen also made key breakthroughs to keep the target within reach.

Series impact and World Cup focus

The victory gives South Africa their first T20I series win under coach Shukri Conrad and offers valuable momentum with the T20 World Cup on the horizon.

For the West Indies, the defeat leaves them searching for answers ahead of the final match at the Wanderers, as they look to sharpen their execution in both batting and bowling departments before upcoming global assignments.

For the Proteas, meanwhile, the return to form of senior players alongside growing contributions from Rickelton and others strengthens their options as preparations continue for the global tournament later this year.

Full Scorecard 

West Indies: 221/4 (Shimron Hetmyer 75; Keshav Maharaj 2/22)

South Africa: 225/3 (Quinton de Kock 115; Akeal Hosein 2/41)

Result: South Africa won by seven wickets with 15 balls remaining