Mumbai: After blasting a blistering 140-ball 174 against Bangladesh in an ICC Men’s ODI World Cup match, South Africa opener Quinton de Kock said he was “a bit more tired than satisfied”, and wanted to have “the juice” teammate Heinrich Klaasen’s been having as the middle-order batter nearly scored his second successive century in the Men’s ODI World Cup 2023.
De Kock held South Africa’s innings together after they lost two early wickets and raised two century stands — a 131-run partnership with skipper Aiden Markram (60) and a sensational 142-run stand with Klassen (90 off 49) as South Africa raced to 382/5 in 50 overs. With de Kock and Klaasen going great guns, South Africa blasted 144 runs in the last 10 overs of their innings.
In reply, a counter-attacking run-a-ball 111 by Mahmudullah went in vain as Bangladesh were bowled out for 233 and lost by 149 runs.
De Kock said it was nice to get two points and said he was a bit nervous in the morning.
“I was a bit more tired than satisfied. Great day out, everyone played their part. Nice to get points on the board,” said de Kock, who struck his third century in five innings in this World Cup.
“I was a bit nervous this morning, don’t normally get nervous at all. Had a bit of fun, great to get two points,” he added.
Asked about teammate Klaasen, who scored a 49-ball 90 after hammering a 67-ball 109 against England a couple of days ago, de Kock said he needs to take some of the juice that Klaasen’s been having.
“(He’s) Been amazing, I need some of the juice he’s having. He’s been special, for every team he’s played for. Taking the tournament by storm,” de Kock said at the post-match presentation on Tuesday.
(IANS)
