IND vs SA 3rd ODI: Quinton de Kock Century Lights Up Vizag
The 3rd ODI match between India and South Africa has given cricket lovers a day to remember. The match is being played at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam. While both teams came into the game ready to win, one man stole the show. That man is Quinton de Kock. The South African wicketkeeper-batter played a fantastic innings and smashed a brilliant hundred that put his team in a strong position.
The day started with high energy in Vizag. The pitch looked good for batting, and the fans were ready for some big hits. South Africa needed a good start. However, they lost an early wicket. Ryan Rickelton got out very quickly. The score was 1 for 1. This is a moment where many teams feel nervous. But Quinton de Kock did not let the pressure get to him.
He walked to the crease with a clear plan. He wanted to score runs and keep the scoreboard moving. The Quinton de Kock century did not happen by luck. It started with him watching the ball closely and playing safe shots at the beginning. He knew that his team needed him to stay on the field for a long time.
Building the Innings with Temba Bavuma
After the first wicket fell, the South African captain, Temba Bavuma, joined de Kock. These two batters had a big job to do. They had to fix the damage and build a strong foundation. They batted very well together. They did not take unnecessary risks. Instead, they took singles and doubles to keep the runs coming.
This partnership was the key to the Quinton de Kock century. Bavuma played a supporting role. He rotated the strike, which allowed de Kock to settle down. As de Kock spent more time in the middle, he started to feel more comfortable. He began to play his favorite shots. The Indian bowlers tried to bowl tight lines, but de Kock found gaps in the field.
They added over 100 runs together for the second wicket. This partnership took South Africa from a shaky 1 for 1 to a strong position over 100 runs. It gave the team confidence. When Bavuma got out after scoring a handy 48 runs, the platform was set. De Kock was well settled and ready to attack.
The Attack Mode: Boundaries and Sixes
Once de Kock passed his fifty, he changed his gear. He started to hit the ball harder and further. The Quinton de Kock century was filled with some amazing shots. He hit the ball to all parts of the ground. He was especially strong on the leg side, pulling and hooking the short balls.
His stats for the match show just how aggressive he was. He scored 106 runs. He faced only 89 balls. This means he scored faster than a run a ball. His strike rate was 119.10. In modern cricket, scoring this fast is very important. It puts pressure on the opposition captain and bowlers.
The most exciting part of the Quinton de Kock century was the boundaries. He hit 8 fours and 6 sixes. That is 68 runs just in boundaries! When a batter hits 6 sixes in an innings, it shows he is seeing the ball very clearly. He took on the spinners and the fast bowlers alike. One of the highlights was a massive six off Harshit Rana that helped him reach his hundred. It was a bold way to reach the milestone.
A Special Milestone: The 23rd ODI Century
This innings was not just another score; it was a record-breaking moment. This was Quinton de Kock’s 23rd century in One Day Internationals (ODIs). Reaching 23 centuries is a huge achievement. It puts him on a list with some of the greatest players of all time.
But there is something even more special about this Quinton de Kock century. It was his 7th ODI century against India. India is known to have a very strong bowling attack, especially at home. Scoring runs against them is never easy. By scoring his 7th ton against India, de Kock equaled the record held by Sri Lankan legend Sanath Jayasuriya.
Before this match, he was tied with legends like AB de Villiers, Ricky Ponting, and Kumar Sangakkara, who all had 6 centuries against India. Now, he has moved past them. This shows how much he enjoys playing against the Indian team. The Quinton de Kock century in Vizag has cemented his name as one of the best performers against the “Men in Blue.”
30th International Century Overall
The Quinton de Kock century in this match was also his 30th century in international cricket. This counts his centuries in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is combined. Reaching 30 international hundreds is a dream for many cricketers. It shows that he has been playing well for a long time, not just in one or two matches.
His conversion rate is also impressive. When he gets a start, he often goes on to make a big score. In this match, he looked determined from the very first ball. He did not throw his wicket away after reaching fifty. He kept going until he reached the three-figure mark. This hunger for big runs is what makes the Quinton de Kock century count so impressive.
Summary of Quinton de Kock’s Inning
| Player | Runs | Balls | Fours | Sixes | Strike Rate |
| Quinton de Kock | 106 | 89 | 8 | 6 | 119.10 |
This table sums up the dominance of de Kock in this match. A truly special effort that cricket fans will talk about for a long time.
The 3rd ODI in Vizag will be remembered for the masterclass from the South African opener. The Quinton de Kock century was a joy to watch. It had everything – early caution, solid partnerships, and explosive hitting at the end.
Scoring 106 runs off just 89 balls is no small feat. Doing it against a team like India makes it even better. By equaling Sanath Jayasuriya’s record of 7 centuries against India, he has written his name in history books.
