Temba Bavuma and Quinton de Kock Achieve Record-Setting Century ODI Partnerships for South Africa’s Elite
In a thrilling encounter during the third ODI in Visakhapatnam, South Africa’s Temba Bavuma and Quinton de Kock forged a remarkable partnership that set a record for their country. Despite a shaky start, the pair collaborated effectively to stabilize the innings and assert their dominance in ODI cricket.
Temba Bavuma and Quinton de Kock’s Record-Setting Century Partnership
South Africa opted to bat first but faced an early setback as opener Ryan Rickelton was dismissed in the first over, marking his second consecutive duck in the series. This early loss intensified the pressure on the visitors. Bavuma, the team captain, teamed up with senior player de Kock to navigate through the challenging phase.
Building a Strong Foundation
The duo showcased both patience and skill, successfully handling the new-ball threat. By the end of the powerplay, South Africa had scored 42 runs for the loss of one wicket. Their steady approach allowed them to regain control, and they slowly started to accelerate their scoring.
A Historic Milestone
As they progressed, de Kock took charge, contributing significantly to the scoreboard. With a collective effort, Bavuma and de Kock established a partnership of 113 runs for the second wicket. This remarkable stand not only revived South Africa’s innings but also marked their seventh century partnership in ODIs, placing them joint fourth in the all-time list for South African batting pairs.
Most 100-Run Partnerships for South Africa in ODIs
| Partnerships | No. of 100+ Partnerships |
|---|---|
| Hashim Amla & AB de Villiers | 12 |
| Hashim Amla & Quinton de Kock | 11 |
| Herschelle Gibbs & Graeme Smith | 11 |
| Hashim Amla & Faf du Plessis | 9 |
| Herschelle Gibbs & Jacques Kallis | 9 |
| AB de Villiers & JP Duminy | 7 |
| Temba Bavuma & Quinton de Kock | 7* |
Legacy of the Duo
Since their first ODI together in 2016, Bavuma and de Kock have transformed into a formidable batting partnership. Their inaugural century stand against Ireland laid the foundation for their future successes. After Bavuma played a pivotal role in the innings, de Kock later completed a century of his own, offering South Africa the momentum needed to chase a substantial target on a favorable batting pitch.
As the series progresses, this partnership continues to highlight the strength of South African cricket, ensuring that Temba Bavuma and Quinton de Kock remain crucial players in the ODI format.
