PAK vs SA: De Kock Overtakes Smith, Reaches Major Milestone in Karachi Clash

PAK vs SA: Quinton de Kock Crosses 7,000 ODI Runs, Surpasses Graeme Smith in All-Time South African List.

South Africa’s wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock reached another milestone in his decorated career during the third ODI against Pakistan on Saturday, November 8, at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad. The left-hander became only the fifth South African to complete 7,000 runs in One-Day Internationals, surpassing former captain Graeme Smith on the country’s all-time run-scorers list.

Returning from his brief ODI retirement, de Kock continued his fine form in the series decider, registering his third consecutive fifty-plus score. He struck a fluent 53 off 70 balls, decorated with six fours and a six, to anchor South Africa’s top order once again. His previous innings in the series included scores of 63 and an unbeaten 123.

With the knock, de Kock moved to 7,009 runs in 158 ODIs, averaging 46.72 with a strike rate of 96.47. His tally now features 22 centuries, 32 half-centuries, and a highest score of 178.

In doing so, he overtook Graeme Smith’s 6,989 runs from 196 matches to claim fifth spot among South Africa’s all-time leading ODI scorers. The list is topped by Jacques Kallis (11,150 runs), followed by AB de Villiers (9,427), Hashim Amla (8,113), and Herschelle Gibbs (8,094).

Proteas Falter After Bright Start
De Kock’s solid opening partnership with Dwaine Pretorius (39 off 45) gave South Africa a strong platform with a 72-run stand for the first wicket in 14.2 overs. However, the rest of the batting lineup collapsed under pressure as Pakistan’s spinners took charge.

Abrar Ahmed (4/27) led the bowling effort, while Mohammad Nawaz (2/31) and Shaheen Shah Afridi (2/18) chipped in with crucial wickets. South Africa were eventually bundled out for 143 in 37.5 overs, losing their last nine wickets for just 71 runs.