South Africa’s explosive batter Heinrich Klaasen collected his fourth ODI hundred and his first one in World Cups as he dominated the England bowlers throughout his knock in Mumbai. Klaasen has been in terrific form this year especially in the 50-over format as he gathered 521 runs in nine innings at an impressive 65.12 with the help of two centuries and a fifty, with his highest score being 174 that came against Australia.
Klaasen stepped out to bat when South Africa lost Reeza Hendricks, who gave a solid start with his aggressive 85 off 75 balls. The proteas batter joined hands with Aiden Markram in the middle and the duo went on to add 69 runs together. South Africa then lost Markram and Miller in quick intervals, but Klaasen stood there in the middle alongside Marco Jansen who also contributed well with the bat. After reaching his fifty in 40 balls, the 32-year-old batter changed his gears and started smashing the England bowlers.
Klaasen especially tormented Topley as he smashed him for three boundaries and a massive six in the 44th over. Klaasen reached the three-figure mark in just 61 balls, scoring 109 runs with the help of 10 boundaries and four sixes. Klaasen’s century against England was the fifth fastest in the history of World Cups. On the back of a terrific knock by Klaasen, South Africa ended up scoring 399 runs after 50 overs. The likes of Reeza Hendricks, Dussen, and Jansen also ended up making their respective half-centuries and contributed to their team’s massive total.
During the innings break, Reeza Hendricks said, “Quite pleased. It was tough in the beginning to find my feet, but happy with the contribution and that partnership with Rassie. Everything happened quickly, got to know it (his inclusion) just 5 minutes before the toss. Needed that partnership (with Rassie) after losing de Kock early. It (Klaasen’s knock) was an incredible innings. Was much needed for us as we were under pressure when we lost Markram and Miller in quick succession. We back our bowlers to defend it, need to field well.”