SA vs WI: De Kock Smashes 100 in 44 balls as South Africa Chase Record Target of 259 in T20Is
South Africa has leveled the T20 International series against the West Indies after scripting a record run-chase at SuperSport Park on Sunday. Led by Aiden Markram, the team successfully chased down 259 runs in the 2nd T20I, setting a new record for the highest run-chase in T20I cricket.
South Africa register historic win against West Indies
This achievement adds to South Africa’s impressive record in cricket, as they already hold the record for the highest run-chase in ODI cricket and the second-highest run-chase in Test cricket.
Opening partnership sets the tone for South Africa Quinton De Kock smashed his maiden T20I century in the chase for South Africa in a blistering 152-run opening partnership with Reeze Hendricks in little more than 10 overs. Racking up 102 in the first six overs in the run-chase, the highest score by any team in the Powerplay in T20Is, de Kock and Hendricks kickstarted South Africa’s innings in style.
Quinton de Kock smashes fastest ton in T20Is
Quinton de Kock, the Proteas batter, made history by setting the record for the quickest ton in the shortest format. He scored an impressive 100 runs in just 44 balls, leaving the opposition in awe. His opening partner, Reeze Hendrics, also played exceptionally well, scoring 68 runs in just 28 balls.
West Indies record-breaking innings After winning the toss and electing to bowl first, the West Indies team put up an impressive total of 258 runs. Jonathon Charles was the star of the show, scoring a remarkable 118 runs in just 46 balls, breaking Chris Gayle’s record for the fastest T20I century by a West Indies player. Romario Shepherd also played a crucial role, contributing 41 runs in just 18 balls.
South Africa record highest chase in T20I history
The opening stand of 152 came off just 10.5 overs as South Africa suddenly turned into favorites to win the game. De Kock then fell for 100 off 44 balls, hitting nine fours and eight sixes at a strike-rate of 227.27. While the visitors made a comeback of sorts by dismissing Rilee Rossouw, Hendricks, and David Miller in fairly quick succession, skipper Aiden Markram continued the carnage to lead his side to a memorable win, remaining unbeaten on 38 off just 21 balls.
With this, South Africa now holds the record for the highest successful run-chase in both ODIs and T20Is. The previous record for the highest successful run-chase in T20Is was held by Bulgaria against Serbia in 2022 when the former chased down 243 in 19.4 overs. Overall, the 46-ball carnage from Charles’ bat helped West Indies reach 258/5 in 20 overs, their highest total in the format. The score surpassed the previous-best score of 245/6, which came against India at Lauderhill, USA, in 2016.
The skipper, Markram, provided the perfect finish with an unbeaten knock of 38 runs in just 21 balls, leading the home team to a well-deserved victory and leveling the series in the 19th over of the game. The series decider will be held on Tuesday at the Wanderers in Johannesburg. South Africa will go into the final match with high confidence after this incredible performance.
