Quinton de Kock hits fourth century, becomes first Proteas batter to amass 500 runs in single edition

ICC World Cup 2023: De Kock's latest innings followed scores of 109 against Australia and 174 against Bangladesh

South Africa's Quinton de Kock became the first batsman at this World Cup to score 500 runs, when he achieved the feat against New Zealand.

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The left-handed opener needed 69 more runs to reach the landmark when the Proteas were sent into bat in Pune. And having completed a 62-ball fifty, including three fours and two sixes, De Kock broke through the 500-run barrier with a legside boundary off recalled paceman Tim Southee.

At that stage, South Africa were 154-1 off 29 overs. De Kock's latest innings followed scores of 109 against Australia and 174 against Bangladesh, with South Africa having lost just one of their six games at the tournament so far.

The 30-year-old, who is currently averaging over 83 at this World Cup, has said he plans to quit one-day international cricket when this tournament is over. He leads the event run chart ahead of Australia's David Warner (413) and New Zealand's Rachin Ravindra (406).

Also Read: Fortune favours the ‘Blue’

Meanwhile, New Zealand recalled Tim Southee on Wednesday and the paceman was straight into the field after captain Tom Latham opted to bowl first after winning the toss in Pune on Wednesday.

Southee replaced Lockie Ferguson after his fellow quick suffered an Achilles injury in New Zealand's agonising five-run defeat by Australia last time out. South Africa, beaten just once at this World Cup compared to fellow semi-final contenders New Zealand's two defeats, made just one change with fast bowler Kagiso Rabada replacing spinner Tabraiz Shamsi on a pitch expected to favour the quicks. New Zealand have won five straight World Cup matches against South Africa since 1999.

Teams

New Zealand: Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (capt/wkt), Glenn Phillips, Jimmy Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Tim Southee, Trent Boult

South Africa: Quinton de Kock (wkt), Temba Bavuma (capt), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi

(With agency inputs)

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