Quinton de Kock Hits Century Using Teammate’s Bat After Forgetting His Own | South Africa vs West Indies T20I
A pre-match equipment mishap turned into a remarkable performance for Quinton de Kock, as he led South Africa to victory over the West Indies in the second T20I. De Kock discovered, just half an hour before departure for SuperSport Park, that he had inadvertently left his cricket bats behind.
An Unexpected Equipment Change
The forgotten bats, located approximately a two-hour flight away, were unavailable for the match. De Kock was forced to borrow a bat from a teammate, ultimately selecting one belonging to Dewald Brevis. He recounted the moment, noting Brevis’s surprising assertion that the bat was suitable for a left-handed batter, despite Brevis himself being a right-handed batsman.
A Century with Borrowed Timber
Utilizing Brevis’s bat, de Kock achieved his second T20I century, scoring a career-best 115 runs. This performance continued his strong form following his success as the top run-scorer in the SA20 tournament. He struck six fours and ten sixes during his innings.
The Bat’s Return
Despite the bat’s effectiveness, de Kock confirmed it would be returned to Brevis. He stated that, should his own bats arrive before the next game, he would revert to using them, and found the borrowed bat’s weight unsuitable for his preferred playing style, describing it as better suited for players who “swing hard.”
Dominant Team Performance
De Kock’s innings, combined with a 162-run second-wicket partnership with Ryan Rickelton, propelled South Africa towards their target. Brevis, batting at No. 4, contributed four runs before being dismissed. Rickelton and Jason Smith then completed the chase, securing the series win for South Africa. The team has previously chased down a higher total of 259 at the same venue, also against the West Indies.
De Kock acknowledged the favorable batting conditions, stating that the wicket allowed for relatively straightforward scoring. He expressed a preference for more challenging wickets that demand greater precision and strategic play, though he enjoyed the victory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused Quinton de Kock to use a borrowed bat?
Quinton de Kock forgot his bats when travelling to SuperSport Park and was unable to retrieve them in time for the match.
Whose bat did Quinton de Kock borrow?
Quinton de Kock borrowed a bat from Dewald Brevis.
Did Quinton de Kock intend to keep the borrowed bat?
No, Quinton de Kock stated he would return the bat to Dewald Brevis if his own bats arrived before the next game, as he preferred the feel of his own equipment.
Given the team’s confidence in chasing targets at SuperSport Park, how might South Africa approach future matches at this venue?