Friday, 15 September 2023

CENTURION: In a cricket spectacle for the ages, Heinrich Klaasen orchestrated a breathtaking innings, propelling South Africa to a resounding 164-run victory over Australia at SuperSport Park in Centurion. This masterful performance has now brought the Betway One-Day International (ODI) Series to an exhilarating 2-2 deadlock.

Klaasen's right-handed brilliance saw him unleash a staggering 174 runs from a mere 83 deliveries, featuring a remarkable tally of 13 towering sixes and 13 pristine fours. This astounding display propelled the Proteas to an imposing total of 416 for five, marking their second-highest score against the touring Australians.

The record books were rewritten as Klaasen partnered with David Miller (82* off 45 balls, 6 fours, 5 sixes) to amass an unprecedented 222-run alliance. Rassie van der Dussen also chipped in valiantly with 62 runs off 65 balls, comprising 7 fours and 2 sixes.

In a subsequent twist, Lungi Ngidi seized four wickets for 51 runs, and Kagiso Rabada claimed three for 41 runs, cementing South Africa's second-largest triumph over their arch-rivals.

This remarkable victory marks a spectacular turnaround for Rob Walter's team, following initial losses in the series and a 3-0 setback in the preceding KFC T20 International (T20I) series. The stage is now set for a gripping series decider at DP World Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Sunday.

Notably, South Africa was without regular captain Temba Bavuma at the outset due to an adductor strain, with T20I skipper Aiden Markram stepping into leadership. Despite losing the toss and being placed in to bat, the team made a steady start, largely due to the contributions of Quinton de Kock (45) and Reeza Hendricks (28), who combined for a 64-run opening partnership.

Van der Dussen maintained the momentum alongside De Kock, with the latter departing just shy of reaching 100. Captain Markram's departure further fueled the Australian resurgence. However, from the 26th over, South Africa embarked on an astonishing journey, with Van der Dussen and Klaasen orchestrating a 74-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

The latter half of the innings saw Klaasen and Miller forge an exceptional partnership characterized by a scorching run rate of 14.47 runs per over—the highest ever recorded in ODIs for a 200-run-plus partnership. Klaasen achieved his third ODI century, setting a new record for the highest individual score in ODIs by a batter entering the game in the 25th over or later. The 20 sixes struck by South Africa in their innings marked a historic milestone.

For Australia, Adam Zampa's 113 runs conceded in 10 overs equalled a world record, with Josh Hazlewood's two for 79 being their standout performance.

In response, Lungi Ngidi delivered a formidable performance by claiming two early wickets, including those of David Warner (12) and captain Mitchell Marshall (6). Australia found themselves in a precarious position at 22 for two.

Further complications arose when Travis Head (17) was forced to retire hurt after sustaining an injury to his hand. The departures of Marnus Labuschagne (20) and Marcus Stoinis (18) deepened the visitor's plight, leaving them at 113 for four in the 16th over.

While Tim David contributed 35 runs and Alex Carey spearheaded the batting with 99 runs off 77 balls, including 9 fours and 4 sixes, Ngidi's intervention once again disrupted their efforts. Ultimately, Carey's valiant resistance ended with the Australians being all out for 252 in 34.5 overs, culminating in a comprehensive South African triumph.

With the series now hanging in the balance, the cricketing world eagerly awaits the epic showdown at DP World Wanderers Stadium.

Proteas ODI squad against Australia:

Temba Bavuma (Captain, DP World Lions)
Gerald Coetzee (Momentum Multiply Titans)
Quinton de Kock (Momentum Multiply Titans)
Bjorn Fortuin (DP World Lions)
Reeza Hendricks (DP World Lions)
Marco Jansen (Dafabet Warriors)
Heinrich Klaasen (Momentum Multiply Titans)
Sisanda Magala (DP World Lions)
Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins)
Aiden Markram (Momentum Multiply Titans)
David Miller (Hollywoodbets Dolphins)
Lungi Ngidi (Momentum Multiply Titans)
Andile Phehlukwayo (Hollywoodbets Dolphins)
Kagiso Rabada (DP World Lions)
Tabraiz Shamsi (Momentum Multiply Titans)
Rassie van der Dussen (DP World Lions).
Betway ODI Series:

Thursday, 07 September – 13:00: South Africa lost to Australia by 3 wickets at Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein.
Saturday, 09 September – 13:00: South Africa lost to Australia by 123 runs at Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein.
Tuesday, 12 September – 13:00: South Africa beat Australia by 111 runs at JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom.
Friday, 15 September – 13:00: South Africa beat Australia by 164 runs at SuperSport Park, Centurion.
Sunday, 17 September – 10:00: South Africa vs Australia – DP World Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg.


Photo: AFP
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]