Quinton de Kock equals this T20I record of Pooran, Buttler
What's the story
In a stunning display of batting prowess, South African cricketer Quinton de Kock scored a blistering 90 runs off just 46 balls in the second T20I against India at Mullanpur. His innings included five fours and seven sixes, helping South Africa post an imposing total of 213/4 in their allotted overs. De Kock's performance was instrumental in helping South Africa win the match, leveling the series at 1-1 after two games.
Record breaker
De Kock's historic feat against India
The aforementioned game saw de Kock hammer his fifth half-century against India in T20Is, making him the joint-holder of the record for most 50-plus scores against India in this format, as per ESPNcricinfo. However, he is also the fastest to reach five such scores, achieving this milestone in just 13 innings. West Indies's Nicholas Pooran (20 innings) and England's Jos Buttler (27 innings) are the other batters with five T20I scores of 50 or more versus India.
Record
3rd-highest individual score against India for SA
De Kock's overall T20I record against India is impressive with 441 runs at an average of 44 and a strike rate of 146. His 90-run knock was the third-highest score by a South African batsman against India in T20Is. This list is topped by David Miller, who had scored an unbeaten 106 in Guwahati in 2022. Rilee Rossouw (100* in Indore, 2022) holds the second place.
Strategy
De Kock's strategy and India's response
De Kock's strategy was clear from the start, as he aimed to score all his runs through boundaries. He hit seven sixes during his innings, five of which were on the leg-side and two were straight-batted hits down the ground. This approach was evident in Arshdeep's wide-spray, showing how much of an impact de Kock could have on a bowler's performance.
Career
18th fifty-plus score for de Kock in T20Is
With this knock, de Kock has surpassed 2,700 runs (2,705) from 98 matches at 30-plus. He clocked his 17th T20I fifty (100s: 1). Overall in the 20-over format, de Kock has surpassed 11,500 runs (11,542) at 31.02. He got to the landmark with his 48th run of the contest. He hit his 76th T20 fifty (100s: 7) from 415 matches (402 innings).