De Kock ton keeps SA in race

Quinton de Kock scored a ton to keep SA competitive in their third ODI against India on Sunday.

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Rajkot, India Quinton de Kock scored his seventh ODI ton to lead South Africa to 270/7 in the third One Day International against India in Rajkot, on Sunday.

De Kock ended with a masterful 103 from 118 balls in sweltering conditions including 11 fours and a six in his knock which lasted for 40 overs. It was also De Kock’s fourth ODI century against India.

The Proteas decided to promote the struggling David Miller up the order to open the batting with De Kock and the move paid off for the tourists. Together with De Kock the pair of left-handers put on 72 for the first wicket before Miller fell victim to Harbhajan Singh for 33.

It was an 118 run stand between De Kock and Faf Du Plessis (60 from 63 balls) for the third wicket that laid the platform for the Proteas. The partnership, however, came to an abrupt end when Du Plessis attempted to scoop a full delivery outside off over the keeper for four, but only succeeded in giving short third man an easy catch.

It was something of a rare occasion as both AB de Villiers (4) and Hashim Amla (5) both fell cheaply, but the lower order were able to help the Proteas to a defendable total.

– ANA