5 highest scores for South Africa in ODIs – remembering Quinton de Kock’s 178 vs Australia
As South Africa continue to make their way towards the knockout stages of the ICC Champions Trophy, many fans will be reflecting on past glories and the legendary players who have achieved great things for the Proteas.
Over the years, South African cricket has been blessed with some truly outstanding batters, known for their ability to dominate attacks and play match-winning knocks.
When thinking of South Africa’s best ODI batters, many names come to mind, from the class of Jacques Kallis to the sheer explosiveness of AB de Villiers.
But who holds the record for the highest individual scores in a single ODI innings for South Africa? Let’s delve into the stats and find out.
5. AB de Villiers – 176 vs Bangladesh, Paarl, 2017
AB de Villiers was a genius with the bat, capable of scoring all around the wicket and at an incredible strike rate. One of his most devastating innings came in 2017 when he dismantled Bangladesh in Paarl. Batting at number four, De Villiers took just 104 balls to score 176 runs, hammering 15 fours and seven sixes.
His phenomenal knock was instrumental in propelling South Africa to a mammoth total of 353/6. Bangladesh’s bowlers had no answers as De Villiers played an effortless yet brutal innings, showcasing his unmatched ability to manipulate the field and find the boundary with ease.
4. Janneman Malan – 177 not out vs Ireland, Dublin, 2021
Janneman Malan is almost certainly one of the lesser-known names on this list, but his unbeaten 177 against Ireland in 2021 remains one of the finest ODI innings by a South African. Malan’s innings was not just about power; it was a masterclass in pacing an innings and converting a good start into a massive score. Facing 169 balls, he struck 16 fours and six sixes, anchoring the South African innings and ensuring they reached 346/4.
What made this knock even more impressive was that he remained unbeaten, guiding South Africa to a comfortable 70-run victory. Malan’s innings was a glimpse of his immense potential and his ability to play long innings at the highest level. Despite this success, and an ODI average of 47.9 he has played just 23 ODIs, the last of which was against India in 2022.
Also read: Highest scores for India in ODIs – is there any topping Shubman Gill’s double-century?
3. Quinton de Kock – 178 vs Australia, Centurion, 2016
Quinton de Kock was one of South Africa’s most explosive batters, and his 178-run knock against Australia in 2016 was a breath-taking display of aggressive yet controlled batting. Facing what is traditionally one of the best bowling attacks in the world, De Kock made it look effortless as he dispatched the Aussie bowlers to all corners of SuperSport Park in Centurion.
Batting at the top of the order, De Kock reached his 178 off just 113 balls, smashing 16 fours and 11 sixes. His innings helped South Africa chase down 295 with ease, securing a six-wicket victory. The left-hander’s fearless approach and ability to dominate a top-tier bowling attack made this one of the most memorable innings in South African ODI history.
2. Faf du Plessis – 185 vs Sri Lanka, Cape Town, 2017
Faf du Plessis is often remembered for his resilience and ability to build innings, but on this occasion, he combined that with sheer dominance to score a stunning 185 against Sri Lanka at Newlands in 2017. Du Plessis took just 141 balls to reach his career-best ODI score, striking 16 fours and 3 sixes along the way.
His elegant stroke-play and ability to find the gaps made it a nightmare for the Sri Lankan bowlers. His innings helped South Africa post a formidable 367/5, setting up an emphatic 88-run victory. This knock remains one of the finest ODI innings ever played at Newlands.
1. Gary Kirsten – 188 not out vs United Arab Emirates, Rawalpindi, 1996
Standing at the top of the list is none other than Gary Kirsten, who’s unbeaten 188 against the UAE in the 1996 Cricket World Cup remains South Africa’s highest individual ODI score. At the time it was the second highest ever knock in ODI cricket. Kirsten’s innings was a marathon effort, lasting 159 balls and including 13 fours and 4 sixes.
His knock propelled South Africa to 321/2, a total that proved way too much for the UAE, who were bowled out for just 152. Kirsten’s innings was a perfect example of patience, precision, and power, showing his ability to anchor an innings while accelerating when needed. To this day, his 188* remains the highest individual ODI score by a South African batsman, a record that has stood the test of time.
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