South Africa’s explosive opener, Quinton de Kock, etched his name in the record books during the Super 8 Group 2 clash against England at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet, St Lucia. He achieved the remarkable feat of registering the joint-fastest half-century in the T20 World Cup 2024, equaling USA’s Aaron Jones’s record of reaching fifty in a mere 22 balls.
Jones had initially set the benchmark during the tournament opener against Canada in Dallas. This is de Kock’s second half-century under 30 deliveries in this World Cup. His previous achievement came against co-host USA, where he reached fifty in 26 deliveries.
De Kock’s blistering innings began with a boundary off the second delivery he faced. He then unleashed a barrage of shots against Moeen Ali, smashing a four and a six in the first over. This was just the beginning of his onslaught. He continued his aggressive approach against Jofra Archer, launching two sixes and a four to propel the Proteas to a score of 21 runs in the over.
The opening partnership between de Kock and Reeza Hendricks blossomed, reaching a formidable 86 runs before Hendricks fell victim to the bowlers after a slow innings, scoring 19 runs from 25 balls.
