Cape Argus E-dition

Quinton: Giant roar felt good

ZAAHIER ADAMS zaahier.adams@inl.co.za

QUINTON de Kock is known for taking everything in his stride, but the Proteas superstar certainly let rip during the celebration of his brilliant century for the Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League on Wednesday.

The 29-year-old let out a huge roar upon reaching his second IPL century before going down on his knees to kiss the DY Patil Stadium turf.

It was a hugely uncharacteristic moment with De Kock customarily appearing not that fussed when reaching a milestone, as he usually just takes off his helmet and sheepishly acknowledges the crowd’s applause by raising his arms aloft.

The outpouring of emotion did not halt De Kock’s momentum though as he went on to blast 140 not out off just 70 balls (10x4, 10x6) to register the third highest score in IPL history.

“It was a bit of frustration that came out. It felt really good to come out and do well. Was trying to keep it in, but when it came out, felt good. I was a little bit cooked (after the innings),” De Kock said.

De Kock’s breathtaking display was the highlight of what is now being dubbed as “the greatest T20 ever”.

Along with his captain KL Rahul (68 not out off 51 balls, 3x4, 4x6), the pair posted a record 210-run opening stand for the Super Giants.

The Kolkata Knight Riders responded with 208/8 - falling short by just two runs in a dramatic climax.

The Knight Riders required 21 runs off the final over and seemed set to pull off the heist when Rinku Singh smashed Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis for two sixes and a boundary.

However, West Indian Evin Lewis provided a moment of individual brilliance for the Super Giants when he produced arguably the greatest catch in the history of the IPL by running around the boundary for 30 meters before diving one-handed to pouch the ball in his left hand to dismiss Singh.

“I thought he (Stoinis) would defend it easily. But when the first three went, I thought the game was done for us. But that catch, turned things for us. As they say, good catches win matches,” De Kock said.

“To be honest, not really (whether he thought the game would get so close). Obviously they played really well, assessed conditions well and came hard at us.”

SPORT

en-za

2022-05-20T07:00:00.0000000Z

2022-05-20T07:00:00.0000000Z

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