Quinton de Kock has found his peak form at a perfect time, lighting up the T20 World Cup 2024 with two consecutive half-centuries as South Africa secured back-to-back wins in Group 2 of the Super 8 stage.

The 31-year-old opener top-scored for South Africa in their victories against the USA and England and was awarded the Player of the Match award in both games. The southpaw helped his team continue the unbeaten run and consolidate the top spot in Group 2.

In South Africa’s first Super 8 game against co-hosts USA on Wednesday, QDK broke free in the fourth over, hitting three sixes and a four, amassing 28 runs. He continued his onslaught, leading South Africa to 64/1 at the end of the powerplay.

QDK crossed fifty in just 26 balls during the ninth over, eventually scoring 74 off 40 balls. His innings included five sixes and seven boundaries. His 110-run partnership with skipper Aiden Markram set the stage for a formidable total of 194/4. The USA managed 176/6 in response.

Facing defending champions England in St Lucia on Friday, de Kock made an aggressive start in the powerplay. He took on Jofra Archer with two sixes and a boundary in his first over and helped South Africa post 63/0 in the powerplay. 

He reached fifty in just 22 balls, top-scoring with 65 off 38 on a slower wicket. South Africa posted 163/6 in 20 overs, and de Kock’s knock, featuring four sixes and four boundaries, proved crucial in a narrow seven-run victory.

The two half-centuries propelled QDK to third on the list of top run-getters in the T20 World Cup 2024. The southpaw has a total of 187 runs from six matches. Nicky P is at the top of the list with 227 runs from six games.

South Africa, unbeaten in the tournament, will face co-host West Indies in their final Super 8 match on Monday in Antigua and Barbuda. Our prolific run-scorers, QDK and Nicky P, will be in action. Here’s wishing both the best of form for the rest of the World Cup!