Virat Kohli shared a warm moment with South Africa’s opener Quinton de Kock during the third ODI in Vizag on Saturday, December 6. The former India captain applauded alongside South African teammates in the dugout after de Kock reached an 80-ball century. Interestingly, de Kock had previously played under Kohli’s leadership for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the 2018 IPL.
The celebration followed de Kock’s six off Harshit Rana, which marked his seventh ODI century against India, the most by any designated wicketkeeper. With this feat, he also matched cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar, AB de Villiers, Rohit Sharma, and Saeed Anwar for the most centuries scored in foreign conditions.
Overall, it was de Kock’s 23rd ODI hundred, tying him with Kumar Sangakkara for the most by a wicketkeeper in ODIs. You can watch the video here:
https://www.bcci.tv/bccilink/videos/OOklUOcr
De Kock launched a six off Rana, who delivered a half-tracker on the pads from around the wicket. The left-hander timed it perfectly, sending it soaring over square leg with authority, before removing his helmet and raising his bat to acknowledge the cheers.
Kock’s Century Keeps South Africa Ahead As Kohli Nears Another Record
Quinton de Kock’s century kept South Africa in the contest against India, even after they lost two quick wickets in the series decider. Prasidh Krishna made an impact by dismissing Matthew Breetzke and Aiden Markram in the same over. At the time, the Proteas were 197/4 after 32.1 overs, with de Kock unbeaten on 104 off 85 balls alongside Dewald Brevis (13 off 11).
Skipper Temba Bavuma also contributed well, scoring 48 off 67 deliveries. South Africa had claimed the second ODI by four wickets, chasing a massive 359, powered by Markram’s 110 off 98, while India had taken the series opener by 17 runs. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli is on the verge of a remarkable feat, a hat-trick of ODI centuries after 2018.
The 37-year-old had already scored 135 (120) and 102 (93) in the first two ODIs at Ranchi and Raipur.
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