De Kock’s comeback 123 not out propels Proteas

ON a steamy evening in Kolkata, a despairing Quinton de Kock walked off one of cricket's great coliseums of the world.

- ZAAHIER ADAMS

Eden Gardens was now added to Edgbaston and St Lucia on the list of Proteas World Cup semifinal heartbreaks at the hands of Australia. And De Kock would not get another chance to avenge the defeat as he made the decision to retire from ODI cricket prior to the tournament.

It was accompanied by a deep sense of despair that De Kock was leaving too early - much similar to the hollow feeling when he had abruptly ended his Test career two years earlier. His form, which had yielded his most productive World Cup return, made it even harder to bear.

Much water has flown under the bridge since, but yesterday evening in Faisalabad, De Kock's redemption was complete. His 123 not out - 22nd century of his ODI career - helped not only Proteas level the series, but also rubber-stamped his comeback to the international game.

There were signs in the series opener two days ago that he lost none of his brilliance and authority at the crease with a half-century.