South Africa’s batting powerhouse took middle stage in Ahmedabad on February 11, 2026, as they dismantled the Afghan bowling assault in a vital T20 World Cup 2026 fixture. The innings was outlined by scientific ball-striking from Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton, whose huge second-wicket partnership basically batted the opposition out of the competition. Throughout this high-stakes encounter, Quinton de Kock managed to eclipse a legendary milestone beforehand held by AB de Villiers, rewriting the historical past books for South African cricket. Their collective efficiency propelled the Proteas to a formidable complete of 187/6, leaving the Afghan aspect with a mountainous chase.
Quinton de Kock shatters AB de Villiers’ legendary Proteas file with a blazing fifty towards Afghanistan
In a second that might be etched within the annals of South African cricket, Quinton de Kock formally surpassed the legendary AB de Villiers to grow to be the nation’s highest run-scorer in T20 World Cup historical past. Getting into the match needing only a handful of runs to eclipse the earlier benchmark of 717, de Kock performed a measured but authoritative knock of 59 off 41 balls, taking his match tally to 737 runs. This milestone was achieved in 29 matches, one fewer than the 30 appearances it took de Villiers to set the unique file. Past the combination, de Kock additionally equaled de Villiers for essentially the most fifty-plus scores for South Africa within the competitors, with each icons now tied at 5.
Additionally READ: ‘Extra pressure on them’: Usman Tariq reveals his bowling plans ahead of Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 clash with India
T20 World Cup 2026: Ryan Rickelton-De Kock partnership decimates the Afghanistan assault
The defining section of the South African innings was a blistering 114-run stand between de Kock and Ryan Rickelton, which dismantled Afghanistan’s spin-heavy technique within the center overs. After Aiden Markram fell early, Rickelton took on the position of the first aggressor, smashing a maiden T20 World Cup half-century with 61 runs off simply 28 balls. The tenth over proved to be the turning level, because the pair looted 23 runs off Noor Ahmad, forcing the opposition right into a defensive shell. Whereas Rashid Khan ultimately managed to take away each set batters in the identical over, the muse had already been laid for an enormous rating. Late cameos ensured that South Africa capitalized on the early carnage, ending with a complete that required Afghanistan to attain at almost 9.5 runs per over.
Prime 5 run-scorers for South Africa in T20 World Cups
| Rank | Participant | Runs Scored |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Quinton de Kock | 737 |
| 2 | AB de Villiers | 717 |
| 3 | JP Duminy | 568 |
| 4 | David Miller | 482 |
| 5 | Aiden Markram | 448 |
Additionally READ: Sri Lanka star Wanindu Hasaranga ruled out of T20 World Cup 2026; replacement announced
