On Sunday, Heinrich Klaasen replaced Quinton de Kock in South Africa’s playing XI against India in the second T20I and won the Player of the Match award.
Heinrich Klaasen of South Africa. Courtesy: Reuters
HIGHLIGHTS
- Klaasen scored 81 runs in the Cuttack T20I
- Klaasen became the Player of the Match in the second T20I
- The third T20I will take place on Tuesday
Right-handed batter Heinrich Klaasen was relieved after he won the Player of the Match award in South Africa’s second T20I against India at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack. On Sunday, June 12, the Proteas took a 2-0 lead in the five-match series after defeating Rishabh Pant and Co. by four wickets.
Klaasen scored 81 runs off 46 balls with seven fours and five sixes, helping South Africa chase down the target of 149 with 10 deliveries to spare. Klaasen admitted that he has been a tad inconsistent in the last two years, but was happy after playing the match-winning knock.
“[On getting an idea of the surface while keeping] It always gives an indication but doesn’t make it easier. I am glad the knock came against India. I hope it extends my career longer. I haven’t performed well in the last couple of years. I am very happy and confident to be here,” Klaasen was quoted as saying.
Earlier, during the toss, Proteas’ skipper Temba Bavuma said that Quinton de Kock has sustained a hand injury. In De Kock’s place, the visiting team roped in Klaasen and the decision paid rich dividends.
“Quinny came up to me two days back on the team bus and said he had injured his wrists. I thought he is a strong character and he would be fine. But yesterday again, he said his hand is not fine. Yesterday morning, we came to training and the coach told me I might play,” Klaasen added.
The third T20I of the series is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, June 14 at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam.