‘Rohit ka record break karke hi maanega’ – Fans react as Quinton de Kock continues his red-hot form in 2023 World Cup, smashes fourth ton against NZ

Quinton de Kock has decided to bid farewell to the ODI cricket on a high note as the South African opener is continuing his stellar form in the 2023 ODI World Cup. The flamboyant left-hander smashed his 21st ODI hundred against New Zealand – his fourth in the ongoing tournament – at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on Wednesday, November 1.

De Kock is South Africa’s pivotal player in the 50-over format and he is proving it once again in his final dance. The 30-year-old made a shocking announcement that he will retire from ODI cricket after the conclusion of this World Cup. However, he seems to have vowed to leave the stage with an impressive mark. Laying the foundations, de Kock has been a key player for the Proteas so far in the tournament and he will be aiming for more such scintillating performances to help the team clinch their maiden World Cup title.

His fourth century was not his most fluent – started slowly, was dropped once and survived a couple of close calls. But he hit another century to put his team in a great position against in-form New Zealand. While reaching the landmark with a six off the final delivery of the 36th over, de Kock shattered a couple of records as well.

The Proteas opener became only the third player in the history of the ODI World Cup to score four or more centuries in a single edition. He is tied with Sri Lanka legend Kumar Sangakkara (2015) and behind Indian captain Rohit Sharma (5 centuries in 2019). With 545 runs at an average of 77.86, de Kock has scored the most runs after the first 7 innings in a World Cup edition. He has also become the first South African to score more than 500 runs, surpassing Jacques Kallis (485 runs in 2007).

De Kock was dismissed by Tim Southee in the 40th over. His 114 off 116 balls laid the foundation for South Africa‘s massive total of 357/4 in 50 overs. Apart from de Kock, Rassie van der Dussen (133 off 118) also smashed a brilliant century. David Miller’s quick-fire 30-ball 53 also fueled South Africa’s surge in the final overs.

Here’s how fans reacted to Quinton de Kock’s fourth century in the 2023 ODI World Cup: 

https://twitter.com/imsachinyadav1/status/1719675039615000971