De Kock smashes ton as Proteas demolish WI

CENTURION, South Africa:

Quinton de Kock warmed up for the T20 World Cup by smashing a boundary-studded century to lead South Africa's superb run chase in a seven-wicket victory over the West Indies on Thursday.

De Kock unleashed his carnage in smashing 115 off just 49 balls, with 10 sixes and six fours, while Ryan Rickelton made an unbeaten 77, as the home side cantered to 225 for three in 17.3 overs in response to the Windies' total of 221 for four at SuperSport Park.

It gave South Africa an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, with the final match to be played on Saturday.

De Kock's efforts overshadowed an impressive showing with the bat by the West Indies, led by Shimron Hetmyer's fantastic 75 off 42 balls, Sherfane Rutherford's unbeaten 57 off 24 balls and Brandon King, who scored 49 at the top of the order.

King clobbered Anrich Nortje for three fours and two sixes in his first over that leaked 24 runs, as West Indies rushed to 53 for one after five overs.

Hetmyer brought up his 50 off 28 balls and the Windies' 100 with a towering six off Nortje in the 10th over that went for 22 runs.

Rabada eventually broke the partnership by having King caught at long on, one run short of a well-deserved half century, to make the score 133 for two at the end of the 12th over.

His dismissal sparked a mini collapse that saw spinner Keshav Maharaj claim the wickets of Rovman Powell for two and Hetmyer in the space of three overs for just 12 runs, to see them slip to 145 for four. - CMC