NEW DELHI: South African opener Quinton de Kock marked a significant milestone on Wednesday as he slammed his fourth century of the 2023 World Cup against New Zealand in Pune, and in the process also became the first batsman to reach 500 runs in the tournament.
De Kock has now joined an exclusive club, becoming only the third player in the history of the tournament to score four centuries in a single edition. The other two cricketers to achieve this remarkable feat were Kumar Sangakkara during the 2015 edition in Australia and Rohit Sharma during the 2019 tournament in England.
De Kock, who hit hundreds against Sri Lanka, Australia and Bangladesh, brought up his 21st ODI ton in 103 balls with the help of 8 fours and three sixes.
De Kock, who survived a couple of close chances, reached his hundred in style as he dispatched James Neesham for a biggie over long leg.
Needing 69 runs to achieve this landmark, de Kock made his way to the 500-run mark during the match after being sent to bat. Displaying impressive form, he reached the milestone with a leg-side boundary off Tim Southee after completing a 62-ball fifty, inclusive of three boundaries and two sixes.
De Kock's recent innings have been remarkable, notably scoring 109 against Australia and a colossal 174 against Bangladesh. The South African team has encountered just one loss in their six games at the tournament so far.
The 30-year-old player maintains an outstanding average of over 85 in this World Cup and has announced his retirement from one-day international cricket after the conclusion of this tournament.
Presently, de Kock leads the run chart at the World Cup followed by the likes of Australia's David Warner (413 runs) and New Zealand's Rachin Ravindra (406 runs).
(With AFP inputs)
