Consistent Proteas game time is allowing Heinrich Klaasen to shine with the bat

Heinrich Klaasen scored a century which helped the Proteas beat the West Indies in the third and final ODI. Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

Heinrich Klaasen scored a century which helped the Proteas beat the West Indies in the third and final ODI. Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

Published Mar 22, 2023

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Gqeberha – Heinrich Klassen’s magnificent form is because of the consistent backing he has gotten in One-Day Internationals.

Klaasen brought up a well-played century and led South Africa to a four-wickets victory in third ODI against the West Indies. It took him only thirty balls to get to his fifty, but only twenty-four balls to his second fifty to reach a 54-ball hundred, a second of his career.

Asked if he felt any different coming into this game, Klaasen replied, “not at all,”

“I just think this is the first time there’s a little more consistency of me playing. Normally I’ve always found myself playing one game or two games in a series. This is the first time that I actually got a good, decent run in the team.” He added.

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) March 21, 2023

The coaching staff are reaping the rewards of consistently backing Klaasen to come to his own in international cricket. The message of playing a positive brand of cricket was demonstrated by Klaasen’s innings.

“It was just one of those days where the first couple of balls went into the gaps. The rest was quite simple for me to be honest,” said Klaasen.

“When the conditions are good like that, you have to bat through and play each ball on its merit and that’s what I did today.”

ALSO READ: Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton to open the batting as Proteas bowl first against West Indies

There’s ramifications from the positivity of the batters, as we saw how Rassie van der Dussen and Aiden Markram got out looking to be positive.

ALSO READ: Proteas slow over-rate needs rectifying before the Netherlands series

Klaasen told the media that the team is aware of the possibilities of the brand and they accept them.

“A great option stays a great option. It does not matter what people say outside,”

“Sometimes it will go your way but sometimes it won’t.”

@imongamagcwabe