Quinton de Kock inspired the Mumbai Indians to a competitive total of 187-5 in the first innings, but it wasn’t enough to see off the Rajasthan Royals, reports ANITHA MADIKIZELA.
The South African opener has been in exhilarating form throughout the IPL, and added a further 81 runs (6×4, 4×6) against the Royals to extend his lead at the top of the Saffas runs charts this season. His contribution was unfortunately not enough to secure the win as the visitors clinched a four-wicket victory at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
READ ALSO: De Kock on fire with a masterful century
De Kock’s sensational knock means he has racked up an imposing 238 runs in seven matches, putting him seventh on the overall run-scoring charts, while being the leading South African run-scorer by far.
His form has never looked better with the World Cup just around the corner, and has plenty of adoring fans keen to see him shine on the world stage in May.
Quinton de Kock's 81 and an 11-ball-28 by Hardik Pandya takes Mumbai Indians to 187/5
Would it be enough at the Wankhede?https://t.co/SzVgFwUp0L #MIvRR #IPL2019 pic.twitter.com/x4yHGr3Kbz
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) April 13, 2019
Unfortunately, his heroics weren’t enough for the home side, even after the Royals’ middle order once again collapsed thanks to Krunal Pandya’s 3-34. The Rajasthan outfit eventually managed to get over the line with three balls to spare after a Jos Buttler (89) onslaught.
READ ALSO: I’m living my best life – De Kock
Saturday’s IPL action continues when the Royal Challengers Bangalore travel to Mohali with new recruit Dale Steyn in the hopes that the Proteas’ paceman can help them register their first win of the season against Kings XI Punjab.
Photo: Faheem Hussain/SPORTZPICS/BCCI
