South Africa chase 259 to clinch highest successful run-chase in T20Is

Quinton de Kock made a 43-ball century as South Africa eclipsed West Indies in a 517-run thriller at Centurion

Centurion: West Indies 258-5, South Africa 259-4 - South Africa win by six wickets

Quinton de Kock led South Africa to a historic victory against West Indies at Centurion, producing the highest run-chase in T20 history.

De Kock hit his first T20I century – off 43 balls – as South Africa reeled in West Indies' total of 258 for 5, which itself featured a record-breaking 39-ball hundred from Johnson Charles, with seven balls to spare.

South Africa started the second innings on the front foot and never let up. By the end of the powerplay they were 102 for 0 and cruising.

Even when de Kock's wicket fell, it did not disrupt South Africa's rhythm. His opening partner, Reeza Hendricks, smashed 68 runs from 28 balls and Rilee Rossouw thrashed 16 off four in a rapid cameo.

^{South Africa and West Indies played out a record-breaking affair in Centurion (Phill Magakoe/AFP via Getty Images)}

Aiden Markram helped them over the line with a calm and controlled 38 runs from 21 balls. The captain sealed the win with a single off the last ball of the penultimate over.

Earlier in the day it looked like West Indies would be taking the headlines. Charles had smashed the fastest-ever century by a West Indian player in a men's T20I; he finished with 118 off 46 balls, well supported by Kyle Mayers – 51 off 27 balls – and Romario Shephard – 41 not out off 18 balls.

Ultimately, however, it was not enough for West Indies as they fell victim to history, with 517 runs in the match the most in a single T20. The previous T20I run-chase record was held by Bulgaria against Serbia last year.

The previous highest score batting second in any men's T20 match was only set earlier this month by Quetta Gladiators in the PSL, though they lost.

Related Topics

• Johnson Charles smashes fastest West Indies men's T20I hundred

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