Klaasen pounds the poms as Proteas shine on Super Saturday

Heinrich Klaasen smashed the 13th Cricket World Cup century by a South African batsman as the Proteas put up a record 399 for 7 on their way to a 229 run win.

Klaasen ensured that the Proteas made the most of the platform laid by a fine innings from Reeza Hendricks up front.

HEINRICH KLAASEN POWERS THE PROTEAS TO VICTORY

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Heinrich was in the side for Temba Bavuma who took ill shortly before the match with Aiden Markram skippering the Proteas in his absence.

After the Proteas knocked over England for just 170, they surge up to third in the standings and improve their net run rate tidily.

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Markram was delighted with how everyone came to the party.

“Fantastic all-round performance. I couldn’t have asked for a bigger effort and skills to top it off was fantastic to see. Slightly surprised with England’s decision at the toss. We know they like chasing, we’d have batted first. Happy it worked out the way it did. Was good that our big quicks weren’t cooking in the heat.”

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Markram added that Klaasen’s knock had incredible value for the team.

“Really great knock, especially without warm-up,” Markram added. 

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“He’s been around a long time, that experience helps. He’s really working on his game each and every day and has reaped those rewards. Him at 5 and Miller at 6 is a destructive pair at the back end. He’s come a long way. We’ve played together for a while, great to see him to see him showcase his abilities that we knew he always had, on a big stage.”

MARCO JANSEN STAR ALLROUNDER

Markram also had praise for Marco Jansen who is increasingly looking like a genuine allrounder.

Jansen struck his maiden ODI fifty and shared a huge partnership with Klaasen that took England right out of the game.

“He’s having a great comp,” Markram said. 

“Takes a lot of pride with his batting and prepares to deal with the worst-case scenario. Lot of ability with the bat, his confidence will rise. Great stand with Klaasy. Incredibly pleased for him. Great way to bounce back after the Netherlands loss, it hurt us.”