South Africa’s openers both scored centuries at the Diamond Oval on 15 October, chasing down a target of 279 with 10 wickets and 43 balls to spare.

De Kock finished unbeaten on 168 from 145 deliveries, while Amla contributed 110 not out off 112 as the hosts took a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series.

Their unbroken stand established a South African record for any wicket in ODIs, surpassing the unbeaten 256 shared by David Miller and JP Duminy against Zimbabwe at the 2015 World Cup.

It also eclipsed the country’s previous opening record of 247, set by Amla and Rilee Rossouw against the West Indies at the Wanderers earlier that year.

The victory carried another significant distinction. At the time, 279 was the highest target successfully chased without losing a wicket in men’s ODIs, surpassing England’s pursuit of 255 against Sri Lanka at Edgbaston in 2016.

De Kock hit most of the boundaries, striking 21 fours and two sixes on his way to his 13th ODI century. Amla hit eight fours in an innings that brought him his 26th hundred in the format.

Their contrasting approaches left Bangladesh’s bowlers with little opportunity to apply pressure, and neither opener allowed the visitors a route back into the contest.

Earlier, Mushfiqur Rahim had given Bangladesh reason for encouragement with an unbeaten 110 off 116 balls after the visitors elected to bat. He became the first Bangladesh batsman to score an international century against South Africa in any format.

Bangladesh’s 278-7 was also their highest ODI total against the Proteas at the time, although it ultimately proved insufficient.

Kagiso Rabada led South Africa’s bowling effort with 4-43, while Dwaine Pretorius took 2-48.

The afternoon, however, belonged to the openers. De Kock collected the Player of the Match award, while Miller’s 100th ODI passed without him needing to bat as South Africa completed an emphatic victory.

Photo: Frikkie Kapp/Gallo Images