Heinrich Klaasen scored his best 81 of his career when South Africa defeated India by 4 wickets at Cuttack on Sunday (June 12) to take a 2-0 lead in the T20I series. With this loss, Rishabh Pant suffered back-to-back defeats as the Indian captain.
Heinrich Klaasen’s stunning 81/46 hit helped South Africa to a four-wicket victory over India in the second T20I as the visitors took a 2-0 lead in the run of five games. South Africa chased 149 and lost three early wickets thanks to Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s brilliant opening spell.
After chasing an unlikely 212 in the first encounter, South Africa initially had a problem chasing 149. Bhuvneshwar Kumar brought the tourists back to 29-3 on an opening spell of three wickets for 10 runs.
Klaasen and Temba Bavuma (35) stabilized South Africa, however. When Bavuma lost to Yuzvendra Chahal, Klaasen upped the ante and took his highest score in T20Is. Klaasen broke 7 boundaries and five sixes when he developed a special fondness for Indian spinners.
He was eventually sacked by Harshal Patel and then Wayne Parnell fell for Bhuvneshwar Kumar – who produced excellent marks of 4/13 – but by then South Africa had the match in their pockets. David Miller, so crucial to his 1st T20I win, hit the winning streak with more than one left over. Brilliant bowling used to help the Proteas limit India to 148/6.
Shreyas Iyer scored for India with 40 runs, while Ishan Kishan scored 34 with 21 balls. India was set for an even lower score, but Dinesh Karthik’s success at the death saw them add some respect to the scorecard. The veteran batter finished unbeaten on the 30th of 21.
Full list of prizes (all prizes carry Rs 1 lakh)
- Most Powerful: Heinrich Klaasen (90 million six)
- Game changer: Heinrich Klaasen
- LIT Actor of the game: Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Man of the Match: Heinrich Klaasen
Postgame comments
David Miller, SA batsman:
“It was a great win. It was a bit of a tricky wicket as we all knew we had no problems but they went wide in the first 10 overs, Klaasy’s shot was phenomenal and one of the best I’ve seen. The conditions in which he played and came out and did what he did make it easy for us on the backend. It was about playing your game and not worrying about the wicket, if it stays low it goes like a batter in your head so not quite sure if you should move forward or not, it was about playing straight.
“It was a bit up and down, but we managed to finish it. The decision of the coach and captain, Klaasy hasn’t played much lately and that he came in and played as he did … It was fairer to hold me back but Klaasy proved us wrong It’s hard to win here so it’s a great achievement to win like that and lead 2-0 We’re on track but there’s still enough cricket to play.”
Rishabh Pant, losing captain:
“We came up 10-15 runs short. Bhuvi and the fast bowlers threw well in the first 7-8 overs. But we weren’t up to scratch after that. We needed wickets in the second half, but we couldn’t.” I get it not these wickets. They (Klaasen and Bavuma) were a hit. We could have bowled better, hope to improve the next game. We now have to win all three remaining games.”
Temba Bavuma, victorious captain:
“It was a tricky comeback, Bhuvi threw well, he let the ball speak upfront. It could have been clinical towards the end but we will accept that. We needed someone to take it deep. That’s the role I play in the game to complete it I can learn from this game and will try better in the next game we knew it wouldn’t be an easy hunt but we were confident we knew we could make our plans achieve, and “We had to move forward clinically. We can put him (Miller) on 5 or 6. Klaasen is someone who can cause damage with a few balls. He (Klaasen) adds a lot to our at bat. Whatever your role, you have to perform to the best of your ability.”
Heinrich Klaasen, player of the match:
“Quinny came to me on the bus and told me he had injured his wrist. His hand was a little stiff yesterday morning so I found out I was playing yesterday. It looked very hard with the new ball so I tried to focus on the spinners I’m glad it happened against India I’m honored to be here and happy to be here a lot of staff have supported me so happy with that support this one is for them “
