Shreyas Iyer has credited Heinrich Klaasen, for his match-winning innings in the second T20I in Cuttack on Sunday (June 12). He also lauded the batter for taking on the Indian spinners. According to him, Team India’s bowlers did not bowl badly but Klaasen played well. However, Klaasen came in place of the injured Quinton de Kock, and he grabbed his opportunity with both hands, scoring 81 off 46 balls.

Klaasen dominated both Yuzvendra Chahal and Axar Patel, during his career-best innings. While speaking at the post-match conference, Shreyas Iyer praised the South African batter for his match-winning knock as well. He said: “Klaasen targeted our spinners really well. He played shots off good lengths. The ball wasn’t turning and he was standing and delivering. The strokes he hit mostly landed over the ropes. He batted really well and credit to him. I don’t think our bowlers did much wrong. They bowled in the right areas and varied their pace as well. It was just that Klaasen’s execution was very good.”

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Meanwhile, before Klaasen’s brilliance, it was Bhuvneshwar Kumar who kept the hope by dismissing Reeza Hendricks (4), Dwaine Pretorius (4) and Rassie van der Dussen (1) in his first spell to leave the South African side in trouble at 29/3 as well.

Praising him, Shreyas Iyer said: “He gave us a really good start, exactly the start we required. He is known for his swing bowling and the wicket really helped him. He knew the areas to bowl at. He executed his plans really well. He is someone who has got a lot of experience and is a great asset to the team.”

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However, Bhuvneshwar Kumar has returned in the 18th over and removed Wayne Parnell (1) and finish with the stunning figures of 4/13 in the game. But, by then, South Africa only required a couple of runs to seal the deal. However, Shreyas Iyer is hopeful of a turnaround and he concluded: “It’s a great challenge. Lot of pressure on us. We have done it in the past and I can’t see anything which is going to stop us.” The third T20I of the India-South Africa series will be played in Vizag on Tuesday, June 14.