Proteas in handsome 229 run win
In a thrilling clash at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, South Africa’s Heinrich Klaasen delivered a breathtaking century that left England in tatters, securing an emphatic win for the Proteas. Klaasen’s incredible 109 from just 67 balls, laced with 12 fours and four sixes, was a spectacle that matched the harshness of the heat and humidity that engulfed both teams on the day.
Klaasen’s remarkable innings included a pivotal 151-run sixth-wicket partnership with Marco Jansen, who himself wielded the bat like a sledgehammer, scoring an explosive 75 not out from just 42 balls. This partnership was a game-changer, setting South Africa on the path to their formidable total of 399 for 7. Klaasen’s resplendent century was the cornerstone of the South African innings, and it left England needing to mount the second-highest successful run chase in ODI history to clinch the win.
Klaasen celebrates century
It was a day of redemption for South Africa after their shocking defeat at the hands of the Netherlands. This victory revitalized their campaign and dimmed England’s hopes of progressing further in the tournament. England, having won the toss and choosing to bowl, found themselves in a quagmire as South Africa’s batsmen capitalized on an excellent batting surface.
Reeza Hendricks, brought into the side for an unwell Temba Bavuma, paired with Rassie van der Dussen to put on a solid 121-run partnership for the second wicket, setting the stage for Klaasen’s fireworks later in the innings. Hendricks played a crucial knock, amassing 85 runs from 75 balls, while van der Dussen contributed 42.
England’s response was anything but ideal, with the top three falling for just 24 runs within the opening six overs. Joe Root and Dawid Malan succumbed to the fiery pace of Marco Jansen, leaving England in disarray at 38 for 4. Ben Stokes, returning from a hip injury, could only muster a brief stay at the crease before falling for a single-digit score, and Jos Buttler’s defiance was short-lived as Gerald Coetzee wreaked havoc, taking two quick wickets in the same over.
The only glimmers of hope for England came from Mark Wood, who staged an almost farcical yet entertaining late onslaught, scoring an unbeaten 43 from just 17 balls, and Gus Atkinson, who managed 35 runs in only his fourth ODI appearance. Unfortunately, these heroic efforts were not enough to rescue England from their heaviest ODI defeat.
In the end, it was South Africa’s day, and Heinrich Klaasen was the undisputed hero. After enduring the relentless heat and humidity, and even a painful blow to the leg, Klaasen rose to the occasion, bringing up his century in spectacular fashion. His brutal hitting left the English bowlers searching for answers and the fans in awe.
Klaasen’s performance was a testament to his resilience and determination, and he rightfully earned the Player of the Match honors. Despite the exhausting conditions, he found the strength to celebrate the victory with his team, a win that rejuvenated South Africa’s World Cup campaign. In the heart of Mumbai, Klaasen’s unforgettable century will be etched into cricketing history as a masterpiece of power-hitting and determination.
Chief Scores:
South Africa – 399 for 7 in 50 Overs (Heinrich Klaasen 109, Reeza Hendricks 85, Marco Jansen 75*, Reece Topley 3 for 88, Gus Atkinson 2 for 60, Adil Rashid 2 for 61)
England – 170 for 10 in 22 Overs (Mark Wood 43*, Gus Atkinson 35, Harry Brook 17, Gerald Coetzee 3 for 35, Lungi Ngidi 2 for 26, Marco Jansen 2 for 35)
