Cricket

‘It’s our time’: Klaasen says brilliant Proteas have made a statement

The SA staff have settled in third place, halfway by means of the opening spherical of the World Cup.

While they nonetheless haven’t shaken off the ‘chokers’ tag they have worn for many years, top-order batter Heinrich Klaasen hopes the Proteas’ newest efficiency has proved how succesful they’re below strain.

The SA staff thumped England by 229 runs in Mumbai on Saturday, bouncing again from a shock defeat to the Netherlands earlier within the week.

After reaching 399/7, the South Africans bundled out the defending champions for simply 170 runs, handing England their largest ever margin of defeat in ODI cricket.

A settled unit, with a core group who have performed collectively for a few years, the Proteas have been praised for his or her attacking mindset on the Cricket World Cup, however they have additionally been criticised for inconsistency.

With their fourth victory of the match, nevertheless, they settled in third spot within the round-robin standings.

‘Good under pressure’

Having by no means lifted the World Cup trophy, Klaasen believed that they had made a statement towards the title holders on the weekend as they set their sights on a place within the semifinals.

“This group has been playing good cricket for the last three years now, and we’ve been maturing nicely,” Klaasen mentioned.

“It’s our time to really try to make a big statement for the world that South Africans are very good under pressure.”

Klaasen made a century on Saturday, shaking off cramps to bash 109 runs as he delivered a standout efficiency in what was a excellent all-round effort by the Proteas. Three different gamers – Reeza Hendricks (85), Rassie van der Dussen (60) and Marco Jansen (75 not out) – scored half-centuries, whereas all 5 bowlers took wickets.

Digging deep

He admitted he needed to “dig really deep” in heat circumstances, however Klaasen was delighted to have performed a key position in taking the sport away from England.

“It’s a privilege to play for our country, especially in a moment like this after a bad loss against the Netherlands,” he mentioned.

“You’ve got to dig deep for your country as well. So yeah, I’ve worked my whole life for it, and it’s a great moment.”

South Africa will have simply two days relaxation earlier than their subsequent round-robin match, to be performed towards Bangladesh in Mumbai on Tuesday.


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