NEWS
Follow UsQuinton de Kock got South Africa off to a lightning start against England in St Lucia on June 21 (Friday). He was unbeaten on 49 off 20 in the first six and, from there, kicked on to score 65 off 38 deliveries, which eventually proved pivotal as the Proteas put up a competitive 163/6.
Despite their best efforts, England fell short by seven runs, succumbing to their first defeat of the Super 8s. De Kock believes that the powerplay is the easiest time to score runs in the West Indies.
"It [runs in the powerplay] makes a massive impact. I've played a lot of day T20s in cricket in the West Indies and generally that is the most important time to score runs, it was the easiest time to score runs," de Kock said after his side's victory over England.
"Look, I think our bowlers also bowled really well, one or two key moments that could have also been a standout over. I think KG's [Kagiso Rabada] final over also could be potentially match-winning. I think there were other moments, but obviously, that's probably one of our better power players this whole World Cup, so it could be, you never know."
While South Africa scored over 60 in the first six, England managed just 41, which put them on the back foot. De Kock believes that it was not necessarily match-winning from South Africa's point of view, given the firepower they have in their middle-order.
"I've played against enough of the England boys around the world. They're all match-winners, they can win games from anywhere. Looked like Harry [Brook] was well on the way to doing that, then obviously, Aiden [Markram] just took a stunner, which was a big moment for us in the context of the game so yeah, I'm not saying that just the time we won it but just small moments," de Kock said.
While South Africa managed just 100 after the powerplay, which is far less than what they would have liked, but given his experince of playing in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), de Kock believes that 160-170 is are match-winning scores, especially in day games.
"I've played here quite a bit in the Caribbean League. Wicket looks beautiful at night, plays most differently, but at the day 160-170 are winning scores here in the day," de Kock explained.
"I think generally it goes by like that in the Caribbean. I think the lights and maybe a bit of dew at night help the ball skid on a bit better. But I could be wrong, but that's what I saw today."
With two wins in two in the Super 8s, South Africa still remain unbeaten in the T20 World Cup 2024 and will take on the West Indies next in Antigua on June 23 (Sunday).
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