De Kock & Rickelton Dominate as South Africa Crush West Indies to Seal T20I Series

De Kock, Rickelton Power South Africa to Series-Sealing Win in Centurion Run-Fest

Quinton de Kock’s breathtaking century and a fluent unbeaten half-century from Ryan Rickelton powered South Africa to a commanding seven-wicket victory over West Indies in the second T20I at Supersport Park, Centurion, sealing the three-match series with a game to spare.

Chasing a daunting 222, South Africa made light work of the target as De Kock smashed a 49-ball 115, studded with 10 sixes, while Rickelton played the perfect foil with an unbeaten 77 off just 36 deliveries. The hosts raced to 225/3 in only 17.3 overs, turning what looked like a high-pressure chase into a one-sided contest.

De Kock set the tone early, dismantling the West Indies bowling with a mix of power and placement. He brought up a blistering fifty off just 21 balls and continued to dominate even after the field spread, punishing pace and spin alike. Rickelton, meanwhile, settled in quickly after Aiden Markram’s early dismissal and grew increasingly aggressive through the middle overs.

The duo added a decisive 162 runs in just 72 balls, effectively ending the contest well before the finish. A costly 12th over from Jayden Seales, which went for 25 runs, pushed South Africa past 150 and firmly in control. De Kock reached his hundred with a flicked six off Jason Holder, while Rickelton followed with a 25-ball fifty. Even De Kock’s eventual dismissal failed to halt the momentum, as Rickelton finished the chase in style.

Earlier, West Indies had produced a formidable batting effort after being sent in. Brandon King gave them a flying start with an aggressive PowerPlay, while Shimron Hetmyer ensured the momentum continued with a fluent 75. The pair shared a 126-run stand for the second wicket, putting South Africa under sustained pressure.

Sherfane Rutherford then provided the late fireworks, blasting an unbeaten 57 off 24 balls to propel West Indies to an imposing 221/4. Despite Keshav Maharaj’s tidy spell (2/22), South Africa’s bowlers struggled at the death, with missed yorkers and short deliveries proving costly.

In the end, however, West Indies’ strong total was overshadowed by a stunning South African chase, led by De Kock’s whirlwind hundred and Rickelton’s calm authority, as the hosts clinched the T20I series in emphatic fashion.

Brief scores:
West Indies 221/4 in 20 overs (Shimron Hetmyer 75, Sherfane Rutherford 57*; Keshav Maharaj 2-22)
South Africa 225/3 in 17.3 overs (Quinton de Kock 115, Ryan Rickelton 77*; Akeal Hosein 2-41)
South Africa won by 7 wickets.