Quinton de Kock’s explosive 174 took center stage as South Africa executed a crushing 149-run victory over Bangladesh, positioning themselves for a spot in the ICC ODI World Cup semifinals on Tuesday.
Electing to bat at the Wankhede Stadium, South Africa’s middle-order piled on the runs to reach a formidable 382-5. The fiery pace attack then reduced Bangladesh to a perilous 58-5, eventually dismissing them for 233 in 46.4 overs.
While Mahmudullah’s spirited run-a-ball 111 provided a glimmer of hope for Bangladesh, it couldn’t prevent a resounding defeat.
De Kock, who had earlier announced his retirement from ODIs after the World Cup, appeared resolute in making his farewell memorable. Despite the early losses of Reeza Hendricks and Rassie van der Dussen, de Kock, along with Aiden Markram, constructed a vital 131-run partnership. Later, he teamed up with Heinrich Klaasen to wreak havoc on the Bangladesh bowlers, amassing 142 runs from 87 deliveries.
De Kock’s explosive innings included seven sixes and 15 fours, culminating in a breathtaking 140-ball blitz. His departure didn’t ease the pressure on Bangladesh, as Klaasen and David Miller continued the onslaught, collectively smashing 12 sixes.
Klaasen contributed 90 off 49 balls, while South Africa amassed 144 runs in the last 10 overs, leaving Bangladesh with an imposing target. The match took a decisive turn as Marco Jansen removed key Bangladesh batsmen in quick succession.
Despite Mahmudullah’s courageous century, Bangladesh struggled to keep pace with the required run rate, leading to their fourth defeat in five matches.
In the end, South Africa’s total dominance with the bat and the ball earned them a convincing win, with Quinton de Kock being named the Player of the Match.
**Brief scores**: South Africa 382/5 in 50 overs (Quinton de Kock 174, Aiden Markram 60, Heinrich Klaasen 90, David Miller 34; Hasan Mahmud 2-64) defeated Bangladesh 233 in 46.4 overs (Mahmudullah 111; Gerald Coetzee 3/62, Lizaad Williams 2/56, Marco Jansen 2/39, Kagiso Rabada 2/42).
**Player of the match**: Quinton de Kock
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