Heinrich Klaasen, the South African middle-order batter, has become a crisis manager for the Proteas. He once again took South Africa out of trouble and helped them post a mammoth total of 399 runs in their ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 match against England in Mumbai.
Klaasen smashed his fourth ODI ton with a blistering knock of 109 runs off just 67 balls. He came in to bat when South Africa lost their third wicket for 101 runs in the 25th over. Klaasen played an anchor role in the middle overs before taking the charge after going past his half-century. He hit 12 fours and four towering sixes during his innings.
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Klaasen’s maiden World Cup century was lauded by Twitter users and the Mumbai crowd alike. Fans rated it as one of the finest ODI centuries in the World Cup. Social media also praised Klaasen’s brutal power-hitting after the 40th over.
Klaasen’s innings helped South Africa carry on with the momentum provided by their top-order batters. Stand-in captain Aiden Markram (42) and David Miller (39) had earlier given South Africa a solid start. Defending champions England need 400 runs to win this game and remain unbeaten in the tournament. However, with the likes of Klaasen in form, South Africa will be confident of their chances of winning their first-ever World Cup title.
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Heinrich Klaasen is a key player for South Africa in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. His maiden World Cup century against England is a testament to his talent and potential. Klaasen’s innings helped South Africa post a mammoth total of 399 runs, which will be a tough target for England to chase.
Here is how the cricketing fraternity applauded Heinrich Klaasen for his fiery century:
Klass act by Klaasen!!
He is extremely good at picking the length early and does it better than most. Initially Marco played sensibly and later attacked brutally. Key partnership to take SA to 399.#ENGvSA pic.twitter.com/srSVXCdu7J— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) October 21, 2023
What a player, Heinrich Klaasen! To score a hundred like that in conditions as demanding as these is very special and an illustration of a top player at the height of his game
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) October 21, 2023
Heinrich klaasen must the be the best middle order white ball batter in the world these days … those that Bat between 4-6 btw before you all start mentioning Virat 😜… #cwc2023
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) October 21, 2023
Heinrich Klassen. What an incredible batter!!! 🙇 #CWC23 #ENGvSA
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) October 21, 2023
Super human performance from Klaasen, what a player! 💯 #CWC23
— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) October 21, 2023
Well played Heinrich klaasen and Marco jansen
What a partnership so far
One side the beautiful Himalayan view and then this lovely partnership
South Africa have got a massive total here #CricketTwitter #ENGvSA pic.twitter.com/HJ84bKs8RS
— DK (@DineshKarthik) October 21, 2023
Please tell me who’s a better batter than Klaasen against spin, in white ball cricket?
Can’t think of any even close…?— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) October 21, 2023
Mumbai’s heat is no joke. And Klaasen wasn’t here to play. Fighter. 🔥💯👏 pic.twitter.com/ydXbKvK53m
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) October 21, 2023
Standing ovation for Henrich Klassen. No other ground in the country can match the atmosphere of Wankhede cricket stadium. #ENGvRSA pic.twitter.com/RE8obOxctX
— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) October 21, 2023
There’s a certain charm to Heinrich Klaasen’s approach in white-ball cricket. It’s pure class! 🤌🏾#CWC23 #ENGvSA
— Robin Aiyuda Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) October 21, 2023
A packed Wankhede stadium gives a standing ovation to Heinrich Klaasen
One of the best knocks in the World Cup#ENGvSA #CWC23 pic.twitter.com/vX7Ly694Ku
— Vinesh Prabhu (@vlp1994) October 21, 2023
