Quinton de Kock's Historic Milestone
In an exciting development in the T20 World Cup 2026, South Africa's Quinton de Kock is poised to break a significant record held by cricket legend MS Dhoni. As the opening match unfolds against Canada at the Narendra Modi Stadium, de Kock matched Dhoni's record of 32 dismissals as a wicketkeeper in T20 World Cup history.
With two catches behind the stumps on a thrilling match day, de Kock has now equaled the long-standing record that Dhoni established during his illustrious career. The anticipation builds as he gets the chance to make history on February 11 against Afghanistan.
Record-Setting Performance
De Kock's remarkable achievement came during his 28th T20 World Cup match, showcasing his talent against the backdrop of this prestigious tournament. Both dismissals occurred in the powerplay, with fast bowler Lungi Ngidi proving instrumental in setting the stage. He caught Dilpreet Bajwa and Yuvraj Samra, demonstrating his sharp reflexes and strategic prowess behind the wickets.
| Wicketkeeper | | Matches | Catches | Stumpings |
|---|
| Quinton de Kock | 32 | 28 | 25 | 7 |
| MS Dhoni | 32 | 32 | 30 | 2 |
What Lies Ahead for De Kock
As Quinton aims to surpass Dhoni, he stands at a pivotal moment in his career. This is de Kock's sixth T20 World Cup, a journey that reflects deep dedication and skill. His next opportunity is crucial; just one more dismissal will secure his place in history as the most successful wicketkeeper in T20 World Cup tournaments.
Moreover, de Kock is not just a wicketkeeper; he continues to impress with his batting. He scored 25 runs off 22 balls against Canada, a reflection of his dual threat as a player. With a total of 2,939 runs in T20 internationals, he’s also aiming to become the first South African to reach 3,000 T20I runs, a testament to his ongoing contributions to the team.
Comparison with Other Wicketkeepers
Quinton de Kock has set a high standard, leading to comparisons with renowned wicketkeepers globally. Currently, he is the only wicketkeeper with over 100 dismissals in men's T20Is at 110 in 103 matches. For context, England's Jos Buttler trails with 93 dismissals, while MS Dhoni concluded his career with 91.
Final Thoughts
As the cricketing fraternity turns its gaze toward the upcoming match against Afghanistan, one can't help but wonder if de Kock will indeed rewrite the record books. The excitement surrounding his potential achievement is palpable, and fans are eagerly awaiting what is sure to be a historic moment in cricket.