Quinton De Kock ton sinks West Indies in Centurion as Proteas take 2-0 T20I series lead

Proteas batter Quinton de Kock continued his rich vein of form, scoring his second T20I century to help the hosts beat the West Indies by seven wickets in the second match at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Thursday. 

De Kock, having been crowned the Betway SA20 player of the season five days ago for topping the runs charts, carried his form into international cricket on Thursday. 

Having rested for the first match of the series earlier this week, De Kock came out guns blazing in the second T20I, smashing the visiting bowling attack all around the park. 

The 33-year-old was at his absolute best as he smashed 10 sixes and six boundaries enroute to 115, to help South Africa chase a mammoth 222 and win the match by seven wickets. 

The left-hander also reached 12 000 T20 career runs during his spectacular knock and was superbly supported by Ryan Rickelton, who too had an impressive shift in Centurion. 

Rickelton finished unbeaten on 77 off 36 deliveries, while Jason Smith finished on six not out, as the Proteas sealed an unassailable 2-0 series lead with one match remaining in the series. 

Earlier, West Indies batter Shimron Hetmyer (75 off 42) put the Proteas bowling attack to the sword. The left-handed batter took a particular liking to fast bowler Anrich Nortje. 

Hetmyer single-handedly took Nortje (0/59) out of the attack as the quick leaked over 40 runs in his opening two overs, while Hetmyer smashed eight fours and three maximums during his stay at the crease. 

When Hetmyer was dismissed by Kagiso Rabada, Sherfane Rutherford picked up where he left off. 

Having played at Centurion for the Pretoria Capitals in the Betway SA20, Rutherford looked at home in the batter-friendly strip at SuperSport Park, as he blitzed an unbeaten 24-ball 57. 

The left-handed batter smashed five boundaries and four maximums, helping the West Indies post a daunting 221/4. Brandon King (49) also played an important hand as the visitors attempted to level the series one-all. 

Keshav Maharaj (2/22) finished pick of the bowlers while Rabada (1/35) and Marco Jansen (1/39) were not too far behind.

The visitors will be looking to redeem themselves during the Pink Day T20I match in Johannesburg on Saturday. 

Full Scorecard 

West Indies: 221/4 (Shimron Hetmyer 75; Keshav Maharaj 2/22)

South Africa: 225/3 (Quinton de Kock 115; Akeal Hosein 2/41)

South Africa won by seven wickets with 15 balls remaining