[Watch] Jos Buttler's stunning direct hit sends Heinrich Klaasen to pavilion during ENG vs SA 2024 T20 World Cup clash
England captain Jos Buttler pulled off a stunning direct hit to send South African batter Heinrich Klaasen packing to the pavilion. It came during the Super 8 match of the 2024 T20 World Cup on Friday (June 21) at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet, St Lucia. Both teams have already won one match each in the Super 8 stage.
Jos Buttler produced a moment of brilliance on the field during the 14th over. Express pacer Mark Wood bowled a wide delivery, which made it difficult for the wicket-keeper to collect it cleanly behind the stumps.
Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller tried to sneak a single to cash in on the fumble. Buttler swiftly moved towards the ball and effected a direct hit at the non-striker's end. Klaasen was a bit casual in his running, and it eventually resulted in his departure.
You can watch the run-out dismissal in the below post:
South Africa scored 163/6 in the first innings of the 2024 T20 World Cup clash vs England
After being asked to bat first, South Africa's openers gave their side a good start with an 86-run partnership for the first wicket. Quinton de Kock was the protagonist as he hit a 22-ball half-century to set the tone for the African team early in the game. However, he didn't receive much support from Reeza Hendricks, who played a sedate knock of 19 (25).
Moeen Ali dismissed Hendricks in the 10th over to give England the much-needed opening. The English team then came back into the match with a couple of quick wickets and dented South Africa's momentum. David Miller (43) then played a crucial knock in the final phase of the innings to take his side to a competitive total. About the pitch and his knock during the mid-innings break, Miller said:
"It was nice to get some runs at the back end. We started well, went into a wobble in the middle, but it's due to the conditions. 160 is a good score. I hit it well but just a bit too flat. It started well. Looked like it came on nicely. But it got slower and slower. It's not too slow, it's a good wicket."
South Africa will face West Indies in their final Super 8 match on June 23.