Forgot His Own Bats Before Match
De Kock revealed that he realised just 30 minutes before the team bus departure that he had forgotten his bats at home while traveling to the Highveld. Despite making urgent calls, the bats — located nearly two hours away by flight — could not be delivered in time.
Admitting his mistake, de Kock said he felt embarrassed but had no option other than borrowing equipment from a teammate.
Why De Kock Chose Brevis’ Bat
As one of the senior players in the squad, de Kock was free to choose from available bats in the dressing room. He eventually picked one from Dewald Brevis’ kit, jokingly surprised when Brevis claimed it was a “left-hander’s bat.”
Despite the humorous moment, the bat delivered outstanding results on the field.
Explosive Innings at SuperSport Park
Using the borrowed bat, de Kock hammered six fours and ten sixes, registering his second T20I century and the highest score of his T20 career. He also shared a massive 162-run partnership with Ryan Rickelton, virtually sealing South Africa’s successful chase of a 222-run target.
“The Bat Wasn’t for Me” – De Kock
Despite the stunning outcome, de Kock made it clear he would not keep the bat. He explained that the weight distribution felt uncomfortable and was better suited to younger players who rely on power-hitting.
He confirmed that once his own bats arrive, he will immediately return Brevis’ bat.
Comfortable Conditions, Not a Tough Challenge
De Kock also noted that the batting conditions were excellent and did not pose a major challenge. While he enjoyed the innings and the team’s victory, he admitted that he finds greater satisfaction in scoring runs on more difficult surfaces.
With this knock, de Kock became South Africa’s highest run-scorer in T20 internationals, adding another milestone to his impressive career.
Final Thoughts
Quinton de Kock’s extraordinary century proved that class transcends equipment. Even without his own bats, he delivered one of the finest innings of his career — though not without a personal preference for familiar gear.
