South Africa sealed the three-match series against West Indies in emphatic fashion as Quinton de Kock produced a breathtaking, record-breaking century in the second T20I at SuperSport Park on Thursday. The left-handed opener’s masterclass guided South Africa to a stunning seven-wicket win while chasing a daunting target of 222.
West Indies post mammoth total of 221/4
After winning the toss and opting to bowl, South Africa were put under immediate pressure as West Indies unleashed an aggressive batting display. Brandon King anchored the innings with a fluent 49 off 30 balls, while captain Shai Hope departed for just 4.
The innings truly ignited when Shimron Hetmyer smashed a scintillating 75 from just 42 deliveries, peppering the boundary with 8 fours and 3 sixes. His assault was complemented brilliantly at the death by Sherfane Rutherford, who remained unbeaten on a blistering 57 off 24 balls.
West Indies surged to 221 for 4, finishing at a remarkable run rate of over 11 per over. South Africa’s bowlers found little respite, though Keshav Maharaj stood out with economical figures of 2 for 22.
Quinton de Kock delivers a knock for the ages
Facing a towering target, South Africa needed something extraordinary – and Quinton de Kock delivered exactly that. Playing his 100th T20 International, the veteran opener produced one of the greatest knocks in the format, hammering an astonishing 115 off just 49 balls.
De Kock’s knock was a blend of power and precision, featuring 6 fours and 10 sixes. He dismantled the West Indies bowling attack, lifting the scoring rate to unprecedented levels and ensuring the chase never drifted out of South Africa’s control.
This century also marked a unique milestone, as De Kock became the only batter to score twin centuries while opening in successful 250-plus chases in T20Is.
Player of the Match: Quinton de Kock 🏏#cricket #SAvWI #2ndT20I pic.twitter.com/VRs7i8LvrK
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 30, 2026
While de Kock stole the headlines, Ryan Rickelton played a crucial supporting role. The left-hander remained unbeaten on a classy 77 from 36 balls, striking at a staggering rate of over 200.
The duo stitched together a massive 162-run partnership in just 71 balls, completely tilting the contest in South Africa’s favour. Their stand effectively neutralized the pressure of the chase and left West Indies searching for answers.
The hosts raced to 225 for 3 in just 17.3 overs, completing one of the highest successful run chases in T20I history. The sheer dominance of the batting display highlighted South Africa’s depth and firepower, particularly at the top of the order.
West Indies’ bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught, with none able to stem the flow of runs. Akeal Hosein picked up two wickets but conceded over 10 runs an over, reflecting the relentless pressure applied by the Proteas batters.
