Rovman Powell congratulate Aiden Markram on sy span se spog display. Photo: Phil Magakoe/AFP.
According to Aiden Markram, the Protea dressing room was very cheerful and optimistic yesterday; even after Johnson Charles’ whirlwind innings ensured that the West Indies could score 258/5 in their allotted 20 overs.
“Some of the guys joked that the Windies scored 15 runs too few! We always knew we stood a chance as Quinny [de Kock] and Reeza [Hendricks] good start,” said South Africa’s T20 captain.
The two Protea opening batsmen then indeed took off like greased lightning.
De Kock smashed 100 runs from 44 deliveries, while Hendricks hit 68 runs from 28 balls. Together they scored 152 runs in less than 11 overs for the first wicket.
“They deserve credit for the excellent way they started our run chase and it certainly made things significantly easier for the rest of us.”
Although De Kock’s innings undoubtedly grabbed the headlines – a blistering century in the second innings of a T20 match certainly deserves a big pat on the back – Hendricks also played a leading role in this “Oscar” performance on the cricket field.
“Reeza does things his way. We often talk about our goal of playing fearless cricket, but he showed that you don’t have to hit the ball out of the stadium to achieve it. He is pure class and as a parent, his timing was perfect.”
1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ (44) by Quinton De Kock ????????
6️⃣8️⃣ (28) by Reeza Hendricks ????????Absolutely brilliant batting by both ????????#WIvSA #SAvWI #SAvsWI #WIvsSA #Cricket #WestIndies pic.twitter.com/JSri0rDR0i
— CricWorld (@CricWorld21) March 26, 2023
According to De Kock, his opening partner also had a special message for him when he lost his wicket.
“He told me that we have now done something very special and that we should be proud of it,” said the Protea wicketkeeper.
And South Africa can certainly be proud of this Protea performance.
The third and deciding T20 match will be played at the Wanderers tomorrow. The action starts at 18:00.
Some of the highlights from the SuperSportpark clash:
- The 259 runs scored by the Proteas is the highest successful T20 run chase yet.
- A total of 517 runs were scored in the match; also a record.
- The Windies and the Proteas hit a total of 81 boundaries; including 35 sessions.
- In addition to his century heroics, Quinton de Kock also hit his fifty from just 15 balls. This is the fastest yet by a South African.
- Johnson Charles celebrated his century from 39 deliveries. It is the fourth fastest century on the international stage.
