"De Kock has to carry proteas every time" - Fans hail South African opener for sparkling knock vs England in 2024 T20 World Cup Super Eight

South African wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock played another scintillating knock in their second game of the 2024 T20 World Cup Super Eights against England in St.Lucia on June 21. After a lean run in the group phase, the 31-year-old came to the party with a brilliant half-century in the Proteas' win over the USA.

De Kock continued his rampaging form with a swashbuckling 65 off 38 deliveries, including four boundaries and as many maximums. He reached his half-century off just 22 balls, the fastest of the tournament.

The southpaw propelled the Proteas to a solid 63/0 at the end of the powerplay, while taking his overall tally in the competition to 187 runs at an average of 31.16 and a strike rate of 147.24 in six outings.

Fans on Twitter hailed De Kock for his sensational batting display on a tacky wicket with the following reactions:

Fans continued praising De Kock for his sparkling knock with one saying:

"Here we go again, De Kock has to carry proteas every time."

"What a fiery innings Quinton de Kock has played, he's been brilliant in this world cup so far," tweeted a fan.

"Looks like Quinton de Kock has already played the decisive knock of this match on this slow 2-paced deck," a fan said.

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South Africa falter after De Kock's dismissal against England

Unfortunately for South Africa, Quinton de Kock was dismissed at the wrong time with the score on 92/1 in the 12th over, leading to a horrific stutter. Fellow opener Reeza Hendricks played a painful knock of 19 from 25 balls and dangerman Heinrich Klaasen struggled to get going before getting run out for eight off 13.

David Miller provided the innings some much-needed impetus, scoring 43 off 28 deliveries. However, the other batters except himself and De Kock found the going difficult, resulting in South Africa finishing on a sub-par total of 163/6 in 20 overs.

For England, Adil Rashid stepped up yet again with outstanding figures of 1/20 in four overs, while speedster Jofra Archer picked up three wickets in his spell. Both teams won their respective opening game of the Super Eights against the USA and the West Indies. A win for either side will take them to the doorstep of a semi-final berth.

England comfortably chased 181 in only 17.3 overs at the same venue against the West Indies two days back.