Quinton de Kock vents his frustration after missing out on a century in Centurion

The left-hander perished after scoring 94 runs from 70 balls.

Published - 06 Mar 2019, 19:34 IST | Updated - 06 Mar 2019, 19:34 IST

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With over 4,400 runs, Quinton de Kock is one of the most lethal top-order batsmen doing the rounds in world cricket. The southpaw is consistent and has been a massive headache for the opposition in limited-overs cricket. South Africa are currently playing the five-match ODI series against Sri Lanka and is currently the leading run-scorer with 175 runs at an average of 87.50.

However, he has reason to be disappointed as he has failed to score a century in both the encounters in Johannesburg and Centurion respectively. In the opening game at the iconic Wanderers, The Gauteng-born got out after scoring 81. He would’ve been looking to go a step away and notch his fourth ODI ton at the SuperSport Park, but that, unfortunately, wasn’t the case.

After being put in to bat first by the Lankans, De Kock was in no mood to show respite and he started in a positive manner. The 26-year-old cobbled together a vital partnership of 91 runs for the opening wicket with Reeza Hendricks, who fell prey to the very experienced Lasith Malinga. Then skipper Faf du Plessis joined him in the middle and they added further 40 runs.

An angry Quinton de Kock

De Kock was looking in ominous touch and he accomplished his half-century in 36 balls. Just when it was perceived that the left-hander would rack up the hundred without much fuss, thunder stroke. Thisara Perera, who had a poor outing in the first game, came to the party for the Lankans and nipped out the dangerous Quinton, who perished after scoring 94 runs from 70 balls.

His knock was laced with 17 fours and an over-boundary. He got a leading-edge and wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella took a simple catch. Quite expectantly, the opening batsman was disappointed. After going to the dressing room, he smacked his bat on the ground, not one, but twice with all his might. The force with which he whacked the willow, might have broken the willow.