Quinton de Kock becomes South Africa's best, achieves sensational T20 World Cup record

Quinton de Kock achieves new record [Source: @ICC/X.com]

Quinton de Kock etched his name deeper into South African cricket history during the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. In a high-pressure clash against Afghanistan, he achieved a landmark that places him above some of the country’s biggest white-ball legends. 

Calm, composed and clinical, de Kock reminded everyone why he remains one of South Africa’s most trusted big-match players. 

Quinton de Kock sets a new benchmark for South Africa

South Africa were put into bat first, with de Kock opening with skipper Aiden Markram. While the Proteas lost Markram on just five runs, de Kock went all guns blazing.

He scored 59 off 41 balls with 5 fours and 3 sixes, including a 143.90 strike rate. With this knock, Quinton now holds the record for the most runs by a South African in T20 World Cup history. 

Most runs for South Africa in T20 World Cup history

• Quinton de Kock - 726 runs
• AB de Villiers - 717 runs
• JP Duminy - 568 runs
• David Miller - 462 runs
• Aiden Markram - 448 runs

He went past AB de Villiers’ tally to claim the top spot. In 29 T20 World Cup matches, Quinton de Kock has scored 726 runs. He moved ahead of de Villiers, who had 717 runs from 30 matches. JP Duminy, David Miller and Aiden Markram follow further behind on the list.

This record is not just about longevity. It reflects impact. De Kock has often provided quick starts at the top. 

He has played with intent in powerplays and handled spin well in the middle overs. Not only that, but his strike rate in T20Is has stayed healthy throughout his career.

de Kock achieves glory after retirement U-turn

What makes this achievement more interesting is the timing. Quinton de Kock had earlier stepped away from ODI cricket after the 2023 World Cup. His last white-ball appearance for South Africa came in the 2024 T20 World Cup final.

There was uncertainty around his future. He continued to play franchise cricket but stayed away from national squads. Questions were raised about whether he would return at all.

Recently, he reversed his ODI retirement and committed again to the national side. He has been named in both ODI and T20I squads for the Pakistan tour. The decision came after discussions with head coach Shukri Conrad.

His return meant unfinished business. South Africa have a home ODI World Cup in 2027, and de Kock’s experience will be crucial. The record in the T20 World Cup only strengthens his case as a senior figure in the squad.

South Africa start strong vs Afghanistan

Coming back to the ongoing match against Afghanistan, de Kock’s knock helped South Africa start strong. His innings included five fours and three sixes. He looked in control for most of his stay. 

He stitched a crucial partnership with Ryan Rickelton. The duo added over 100 runs for the second wicket. Rickelton played the aggressor, but de Kock anchored the stand smartly. 

South Africa reached 143/3 in 16 overs. Quinton de Kock fell to Rashid Khan, but his job was largely done as he set the platform.