Australia had an outstanding beginning in the second match of their series, notching an impressive 102 runs in the opening ten overs. With centuries from David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne, they seemed poised to breach the 400-run milestone.
Nonetheless, effective late-over bowling by the Proteas prevented them from reaching that mark, falling eight runs shy. In response, the hosts made a stellar beginning with de Kock and Temba Bavuma, amassing 27 runs in the initial three overs to maintain the required run rate.
In the fourth over, Australia believed they had secured a crucial breakthrough. Nathan Ellis delivered a short-length ball that de Kock attempted to defend. However, the ball ricocheted off the bottom of his bat, veering dangerously toward the stumps.
De Kock, realizing the jeopardy, watched anxiously as the ball headed for the wicket. Miraculously, the bails remained undisturbed as the ball made contact with the stumps.
— andre bapat (@AndreBapat82195) September 9, 2023
Ellis and de Kock could only exchange smiles in the aftermath of this heart-stopping moment. Twitter users also eagerly joined the conversation, adding their own comments to the mix.