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De Kock overtakes AB de Villiers: Most ODI runs by SA wicketkeepers vs Pakistan

Soumyajit Dutta

Heinrich Klaasen, Quinton de Kock and AB de Villiers [Source: @ashit_aman/X.com]Heinrich Klaasen, Quinton de Kock and AB de Villiers [Source: @ashit_aman/X.com]

The first ODI between South Africa and Pakistan is underway, and it featured a record-breaking knock from veteran South African wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock, who opened the innings for his team. De Kock scored 63 runs in the match, surpassing several South African wicketkeepers.

The names de Kock surpassed included Heinrich Klaasen and AB de Villiers, to become the wicketkeeper with the most runs against Pakistan in ODIs. Let’s take a look at the full list and see which players the southpaw has now overtaken.

5) David Richardson - 149 runs

David John Richardson was a legendary wicketkeeper-batter for South Africa, having represented the team for many years since his debut in 1991. He scored 149 runs in 15 matches against Pakistan, averaging 24.83 while facing 199 balls at a strike rate of 74.87. 

He registered one fifty and hit 10 boundaries, highlighting his contribution with the bat in addition to his wicketkeeping skills in ODI contests against Pakistan. Although he also featured in 42 Test matches for his country, his tally of 122 ODIs reflects his deep passion for the game.

4) Heinrich Klaasen - 355 runs

The 34-year-old right-handed batter Heinrich Klaasen is a monster with the bat in T20I cricket. However, his exploits against Pakistan in ODIs are equally remarkable. He ranks fourth on the list, having scored a massive 355 runs from just seven matches against Pakistan at an astonishing average of 59.16. 

Heinrich Klaasen's highest score against them is 97, accumulated off 283 balls at a strike rate of 125.44. He has four fifties to his name, along with 11 sixes and 38 boundaries.

3) Mark Boucher - 477 runs

Mark Boucher was a key and vital cog for South Africa throughout his career until 2012. The right-handed batter, known for his explosive style in a short, stocky frame, often contributed quick 30 or 40 runs that proved crucial in tight matches. 

Boucher played 33 ODIs against Pakistan, scoring 477 runs at an average of 25.10. Although his strike rate was relatively modest at 80.03, his 36 boundaries and 12 sixes highlighted his attacking intent and the balance he provided during critical batting collapses.

2) AB de Villiers - 621 runs

AB de Villiers is arguably the most popular wicketkeeper-batter to have emerged from South Africa in recent years. The Proteas great was a dominant force at the top, orchestrating many victories against Pakistan. He played 13 matches against them and accumulated 621 runs at an impressive average of 51.75. De Villiers faced 737 balls, scoring one century and five half-centuries. 

Notably, 'Mr. 360' hit 45 boundaries and 5 sixes against Pakistan, further highlighting his composure and class. As captain, AB played eight matches against Pakistan and maintained an outstanding average of 58.85 in ODIs, underlining his supremacy both as a leader and as a player.

1) Quinton de Kock - 650 runs

The South African wicketkeeper-batter with the most runs against Pakistan in ODIs is Quinton de Kock. The 32-year-old star has been a fearless striker of the ball since his debut and continues to impress with his elegant stroke play. In the ongoing first ODI between South Africa and Pakistan at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad, de Kock played a solid knock of 63 runs off 71 balls, which included six boundaries and two sixes. 

In the process, Quinton surpassed Proteas great AB de Villiers to become the highest run-scorer in this category. Notably, he now holds 650 runs from 16 innings against Pakistan at an average of 40.62 and a strike rate of 89.28.