England won the match via the Duckworth/Lewis method after rain interrupted play with South Africa on 250/5, chasing 400 for victory.
De Kock showed great composure with bat in hand and gave his team some hope on a day where the visitors dominated almost all facets of the game.
Of the nine ODI centuries, De Kock has scored in his 53-match career, Wednesday evening’s was the first to be scored batting second, and in a high-pressure chase, which he timed to perfection before the rain set in.
This hundred followed his maiden Test century in the fourth Sunfoil Test against England at Centurion last week where he marshalled the tail with maturity and calm temperament to help set up a big first innings total.
He has always played with freedom and aggression, which is his natural game, but has also found a measured approach to play the situation accordingly.
“I enjoyed my innings,” said De Kock, who also became the youngest (23 and 48 days) South African player to score 2000 ODI runs said.
“I haven’t scored a hundred like that in a while so it was nice to stay in. Unfortunately, with the rain, I couldn’t carry the team. I would have liked to have done that but I’m sure I will get plenty of more opportunities.
“We would have loved to have won but it was a steep total. We would have done our best to get there if the rain hadn’t come down.”
The 23-year-old had to wait nine matches to score his maiden ODI hundred, which came against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi 2013.
Thereafter, he scored four centuries in the next 10 ODI’s, including three in a row against India at home.
Despite the struggles with form in the longer format earlier this season, he has managed to make significant contributions in the ODI format and has become a vital component of the opening partnership alongside Hashim Amla.
Source: African News Agency (ANA)
