Returning from an elbow issue, Heinrich Klaasen scored a match-winning 64 off 56 balls against England.
Heinrich Klaasen has declared his ambition to be ‘the best in the world’ after his innings of 64 runs from 56 balls secured South Africa a seven-wicket victory over England on Saturday, guaranteeing their spot in the Champions Trophy semi-finals. Having missed the previous match due to an elbow injury, Klaasen continued his impressive ODI form against England in Karachi. This was his fifth consecutive ODI half-century, contributing significantly from the No. 4 position as South Africa chased down a target of 180 in under 30 overs.
In a post-match interview with Sky Sports, Klaasen revealed he and coach Rob Walter have set a goal for him to prove himself as the best player globally during the Champions Trophy. ‘I challenged myself with Rob Walter this tour: I want to be the best in the world,’ Klaasen stated. ‘My aim is to be the best, and I believe I can adapt to various game situations. For me, it’s about consistently hitting the ball along the ground for as long as possible, just like tonight. I am very happy with my innings. I scored by staying still and trusting my technique. I know my swing is effective, so if it clicks, I’m satisfied.’
Klaasen’s innings included 11 fours and no sixes before he was caught at short third man, attempting to score the winning runs off Adil Rashid with six runs needed. ‘I felt like jumping off a building after getting out like that,’ he joked, but expressed satisfaction with his recent form, explaining he has simplified his training regime since his elbow injury.
‘I feel very fortunate with my current game and understanding of it,’ he said. ‘I don’t face all our seam bowlers in the nets. I just do a few drills and practice against spin. Currently, I am hitting the ball in the middle of the bat consistently. That’s my approach, and as long as my technique is solid, I’m content.’
Klaasen, 33, has been in peak form since turning 30, attributing it to keeping things simple and reacting to each ball rather than pre-planning. ‘It’s about maintaining stillness at the crease,’ he explained. ‘About three years ago, I really focused on staying still and avoiding overthinking the game.’
Aiden Markram, standing in as South Africa’s captain for the unwell Temba Bavuma, commented on Klaasen: ‘It’s always fantastic to watch him bat. He has been in incredible form for months, and to return after an elbow niggle and perform as if he never left is a great sign for us.’
