"If you want to see a selfless batter, watch the "jersey no 45" bat"- Fans hail Heinrich Klaasen for his scintillating 90 (49) in SA vs BAN clash
South Africa middle-order batter Heinrich Klaasen continued his sensational form in the 2023 World Cup with yet another blazing knock of 90 (49) against Bangladesh on Tuesday (October 24) at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. It came after his explosive century against England in South Africa's previous match at the same venue.
South African captain Aiden Markram won the toss and opted to bat first earlier in the afternoon. Bangladesh got off to a good start as their bowlers reduced the Proteas to 36/2 in eight overs. Quinton de Kock and Aiden Markram then stabilised things with a 131-run partnership for the third wicket. Markram (60) departed in the 31st over after hitting a fluent half-century.
Heinrich Klaasen walked into the middle after the captain and changed the complexion of the innings with his aggressive strokes all around the ground. De Kock also upped the ante along with him as South Africa motored along in cruise mode in the last phase of the innings. De Kock smashed his way to 174 (140) before perishing in the 46th over.
David Miller (34* in 15 balls) and Klaasen then provided a massive finish for South Africa with their pyrotechnics. Heinrich Klaasen smashed eight sixes and two fours during his 49-ball stay at the crease and missed out on a century marginally.
He fell on the second ball of the final over while trying to play a big shot against a slower ball. It was pouched safely by the sweeper cover fielder just inside the boundary ropes. South Africa eventually ended with a massive score of 382/5.
Fans took note of Heinrich Klaasen's sensational knock against Bangladesh and heaped praise on him through X. Here are some of the top reactions:
"It's great to see the performances the guys are putting up"- David Miller on Quinton de Kock and Heinrich Klaasen stepping up for South Africa
During the mid-innings break, South Africa batter David Miller reflected on the action that unfolded during the first innings and said:
"It was a really good wicket. Coming in there with only four overs to go, I had no option but to go for it for the team. The slower ball just seemed to stick a little bit but it's a typical Mumbai wicket. It's been a period of time we've done really well. The top six or seven have been batting for a really long time together."
He continued:
"It's just about understanding the self-belief in each other and trusting the process. If it's a tricky situation just get through it. It's great to see the performances the guys are putting up. (What has worked for him in recent times) You sort of mature with age. Just understanding my role, self-belief in a lot of ways and just going with the flow as well."
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