De Kock sticks it to Australia

QUINTON de Kock hit a dazzling century to lead South Africa to a six-wicket win in the first one-day international against Australia at SuperSport Park yesterday.

The left-handed de Kock thrashed 178 off 113 balls, with 16 fours and 11 sixes, as South Africa made a challenging target of 295 look easy.

The hosts won with 13.4 overs to spare.

“He was magnificent,” Australian captain Steve Smith said of de Kock. “It was a 370-380 wicket if you look back at it now. Someone (for Australia) had to get a big hundred like Quinton did.”

De Kock and stand-in fellow opener Rilee Rossouw put Australia’s pace bowling attack to the sword in an opening partnership of 145 off 104 balls.

De Kock was in imperious form virtually from the start of his innings, hitting a six off John Hastings in the second over. He reached 50 off 38 balls and reached his 11th one-day international century off 74 balls when he pulled Daniel Worrall for his fourth six.