De Kock: I've had better knocks

Cape Town - Still just 23-years-old, Quinton de Kock is well on course to become one of South Africa's finest ever ODI players. 

Friday's opening ODI against Australia saw him notch up his 11th century in the format to go along with his 7 half centuries - a remarkable conversion rate of 61.1%. 

But, even more special than that was the way he played at Centurion. 

DE KOCK'S SPECIAL TON SEALS PROTEAS WIN

De Kock smashed 11 sixes and 16 fours on his way to 178 from just 113 balls, a score that fell just 10 runs short of Gary Kirsten's national record of 188 set against the UAE in 1996. 

De Kock's knock on Friday night also reminded of Herschelle Gibbs's famous 175 against the Aussies in Johannesburg in 2006, when the Proteas chased down 434 to win the game. 

That day, Gibbs took 111 balls to reach his score - scarily close to De Kock's numbers on Friday. 

It was as special an innings as you are likely to see, but you wouldn't think so listening to De Kock speak after his side's six-wicket win.

"It was the most free knock I've played, but I've played a couple other knocks that I've enjoyed more where I've had to work hard for the runs," he said.

"Those are the types of knocks that I like. Today it was just my day, I guess.

"It was quite enjoyable. The wicket was quite nice to play on. It allowed me to play my natural game. Hopefully there will be a couple more wickets like that in the series and we can have some more fun."

While De Kock was flying at one end, Rille Rossouw was no slouch at the other. 

Rossouw made 63 from 45 as South Africa's opening pair took the game away from the Aussies.

"There was no talk. We know this Centurion wicket well enough that chasing 290 here is fairly par," said De Kock.

"I think we could have done better with the ball, but still, chasing down 290 was good. Just happy to get a win under our belts.

"Rilee and I are just naturally confident, aggressive players. Rilee hits the ball hard and doesn't think twice about it."

If De Kock carries on scoring at this rate, what he can achieve in the game is anyone's guess. 

But, it was no surprise to hear that breaking records is not something on the mind of this rare talent.

"I'm not bothered about records. I'm just here to win games and that's the most important things. Records are just add-ons, I guess," De Kock said.

The second ODI takes place in Johannesburg on Sunday.