2019 Cricket World Cup Top Batsman - Quinton de Kock to carve bowling attacks apart

Leonard Solms

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Last updated: 17 May 2019

Leonard Solms 17 May 2019

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South Africa's star batsman tipped to build on brilliant form

Quinton de Kock has scored 436 runs in his last six ODIs for South Africa at an average of just under 73. (Getty Images)

2019 Cricket World Cup Top Batsman Preview, Predictions & Betting Tips

South Africa have been in impressive ODI form lately and one key reason is the sensational form of wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock. His average of just under 73 in his last six ODIs means he is top Cricket World Cup batsman tip at 20.00.

2019 Cricket World Cup Top Batsman Betting Odds

As we head into the final two weeks before the start of the 2019 Cricket World Cup in England and Wales, there is plenty of talk surrounding the likes of Virat Kohli, Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow.

All three are admittedly world class but it is a huge mistake to leave Quinton de Kock out of discussions in the 2019 Cricket World Cup top batsman betting market. De Kock currently sits at 20.00 alongside Shikhar Dhawan, Aaron Finch and Steve Smith.

Kohli is paying 8.00 to emerge as top batsman with Root priced at 12.00, Bairstow and David Warner at 14.00 and Kane Williamson, Jason Roy and Rohit Sharma at 16.00.

Player	Nation	Odds
Virat Kohli	India	8.00
Joe Root	England	12.00
Jonny Bairstow	England	14.00
David Warner	Australia	14.00
Jason Roy	England	16.00
Rohit Sharma	India	16.00
Kane Williamson	New Zealand	16.00
Shikhar Dhawan	India	20.00
Quinton de Kock	South Africa	20.00
Steve Smith	Australia	20.00
Aaron Finch	Australia	20.00

Quinton de Kock’s 2018 Form

Perhaps one reason why de Kock is being written off is because of his modest 2018 ODI form. Last year was a tumultuous one for de Kock who was involved in a highly publicised bust-up with Australia’s David Warner early in 2018.

De Kock nevertheless maintained steady form with the bat for the Proteas, scoring 327 ODI runs at an average of 32.70. Two fifties on the road against Sri Lanka show that as far as off years go, 2018 was far from a terrible one.

Quinton de Kock’s Batting Style

A strike rate of 95.81 in 106 ODIs shows that Quinton de Kock is not afraid of hitting out. Little surprise then that he has shone in the Indian Premier League with the Mumbai Indians.

The charismatic left-hander is utilised as an opening batsman in ODIs and will aim to get the Proteas on the front foot in each of their nine round robin fixtures.

Quinton de Kock is tipped for top batsman at the 2019 Cricket World Cup. (Getty Images)

Quinton de Kock’s Current Form

Quinton De Kock is at the peak of his powers at the moment and has picked up five fifties and a century in his last six ODIs.

Not only has de Kock scored 436 runs in these matches at an average of just below 73, but he also played an important role for the Mumbai Indians in their triumphant Indian Premier League campaign.

De Kock scored 529 runs in 16 appearances throughout the T20 tournament, picking up four half-centuries.

Why the 2019 Cricket World Cup is Quinton de Kock’s time to shine

The stage is set for a huge World Cup from Quinton de Kock. He was fairly new to the Proteas set-up in 2015 and understandably had a fairly modest World Cup, but the experience undoubtedly served him well.

It is different this time around for de Kock given that he is now 26 years old with 106 ODIs to his name. He is a man beyond his years in cricketing terms given his vast experience at such a young age.

De Kock was a crucial cog for the Proteas during their recent test series win over Pakistan which saw him finish as top scorer with 251 runs. He was equally central to this year’s ODI series triumph over Sri Lanka.

The pattern is clear: when Quinton de Kock plays well, South Africa play well. No longer second fiddle to the retired AB de Villiers, de Kock is perfectly positioned to have the tournament of his life.

South Africa's Quinton de Kock has been shining in all forms of the game recently. (Getty Images)

Quinton de Kock Key Statistics

Quinton de Kock has an average of 72.67 in his last 6 ODIs.
Quinton de Kock has an average of 45.56 in 106 ODIs.
Quinton de Kock has scored 5 fifties in his last 6 ODIs.
Quinton de Kock was the top scorer in South Africa’s ODI series win over Sri Lanka with 353 runs in 5 innings.

Verdict

Quinton de Kock will be the key batsman in a South Africa team that has the potential to spring a surprise. De Kock has performed at a world class level in all formats of the game in 2019 and there is huge value on him for top runscorer at 20.00.

Best Bet: Quinton de Kock @ 20.00 at bet365 - 3 Units