Quinton de Kock Achieves Milestone as Second-Fastest to Accumulate 7000 ODI Runs
Quinton de Kock has made headlines by becoming the second-fastest cricketer to achieve 7,000 runs in One Day Internationals (ODIs). The South African opener reached this remarkable milestone during the third ODI against Pakistan at Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad.
Milestone Achieved in Record Time
De Kock completed the feat in just 158 innings. This remarkable achievement places him behind only his former teammate, Hashim Amla, who reached 7,000 runs in 150 innings. De Kock surpassed New Zealand’s Kane Williamson, who took 159 innings, and Indian star Virat Kohli, who needed 161 innings.
De Kock Joins Elite Company
The latest milestone makes Quinton de Kock the fifth South African player to score over 7,000 ODI runs. He joins an esteemed group that includes:
- Jacques Kallis – 11,550 runs
- AB de Villiers – 9,427 runs
- Hashim Amla – 8,113 runs
- Herschelle Gibbs – 8,094 runs
Additionally, de Kock is the first left-handed South African to reach this impressive figure.
Consistent Performer with High Average
Throughout his ODI career, de Kock has maintained an average exceeding 45 and a strike rate of over 95. He has also recorded an impressive total of 22 centuries, ranking third among South African players. Only Amla (27) and de Villiers (25) have scored more centuries in the format.
Outstanding Performance in World Cup
During the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, de Kock showcased his skills, scoring 594 runs in 10 matches with an impressive average of 59.40. This performance marked the highest runs by a wicketkeeper in any ODI tournament. His four centuries in this edition of the World Cup placed him just behind India’s Rohit Sharma, who hit five tons.
Notable Records Held by De Kock
De Kock’s accomplishments extend beyond this milestone. He recorded a personal best of 178 runs off 113 balls in 2016 against Australia, making this the third-highest individual score by a South African player. The only higher score by a wicketkeeper belongs to MS Dhoni, with 183 not out against Sri Lanka.
Also noteworthy is de Kock’s holding of the second-most runs as an opening wicketkeeper in ODIs, with over 6,900 runs, trailing only Adam Gilchrist, who amassed over 9,200 runs.
With these distinctions, Quinton de Kock continues to establish himself as one of the premier players in modern cricket, reflecting his significant contributions to the South African team.
