CRICKET NEWS - New ODI captain Quinton de Kock struck a century, as South Africa beat England by seven wickets in Tuesday's first ODI at PPC Newlands in Cape Town.
Chasing a 259-run target, the Proteas climbed to 259 for three with 14 deliveries to spare. The result afforded the hosts an early lead in the three-match series.
De Kock was well supported by batsman Temba Bavuma, who perished for 98 late in the piece. The pair shared a dominant 173-run alliance, which was particularly important after the relatively early fall of opener Reeza Hendricks.
Bavuma and de Kock methodically dismantled an opposition attack awkwardly reliant on legspinners Joe Denly and Matt Parkinson. Seamer Tom Curran struggled to continue the fine form enjoyed for the Sydney Sixers in Australia's Big Bash recently, while the decision to give left-armer Sam Curran the new ball alongside fast bowler Chris Woakes was questionable. De Kock and Bavuma's individual and collective shot selection and stroke play, indeed, capped a batting spectacle for the Proteas.
