Proteas never gave up belief in record run chase against West Indies

Though they left the field midway through the match with a mammoth task ahead of them, top-order batter Reeza Hendricks said the Proteas never gave up the belief that they could chase down a record target in the second T20 International against West Indies in Centurion on Sunday.

After the tourists racked up 258 runs, the hosts were under major pressure to level the three-match series, but Quinton de Kock and Hendricks got them off to a spectacular start as they laid the foundation for an impressive six-wicket victory, with the South Africans reaching the required total with seven balls to spare.

It was the highest successful run chase in a T20 International, drawing comparisons with the thrilling ODI between SA and Australia at the Wanderers in 2006 when the Proteas made 438 runs to earn a record win.

After the West Indies innings, Hendricks said fast bowler Kagiso Rabada claimed the visitors were 10 runs short of what they needed on a flat wicket, and the rest of the national team were equally confident of their chances.

“Everyone in the change room was quietly confident that this was a good wicket, so we never doubted ourselves at any stage,” Hendricks said.

“We believed it was a good wicket and we had the batters in the team to go out there and chase the score down, which we obviously did, so it was good to come out on the right side of it.”

‘Special’ innings

While Hendricks made a valuable contribution, compiling 68 off 28 deliveries at a strike rate of 242.85, it was De Kock who carried the home team to victory. He raced to his half-century off 15 deliveries – the fifth quickest T20I fifty and the fastest by a South African – and he went on to make his maiden century, hammering 100 runs off 44 balls (achieved at a strike rate of 227.27).

Hendricks said it was “really special” to be at the other end with De Kock displaying such spectacular form.

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“That’s the Quinny I know. Obviously in cricket it doesn’t come off all the time, and today fortunately for him it came off when the team needed it the most,” Hendricks said.

“That’s how he plays, and again, the wicket was really good which allowed for his stroke play. It was a special innings to witness, especially from the other end.”

The series decider between South Africa and West Indies will be played at the Wanderers on Tuesday night, starting at 6pm.