(Source Skysports)
Ahead of their ICC T20 World Cup 2024 semifinal against Afghanistan, the South African cricket team has expressed admiration for Heinrich Klaasen. Young bowler Gerald Coetzee emphasized that opponents are wary of Klaasen’s powerful hitting ability.
South Africa will face Afghanistan in the semifinal at Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad, scheduled for Wednesday, June 26 (local time). The winner will compete against either India or England in the final at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados, on Saturday, June 29.
Historically, South Africa has never reached the final of a T20 World Cup, while Afghanistan is making their first semifinal appearance in ICC World Cups (both T20s and ODIs). This match will see either Afghanistan or South Africa advancing to their inaugural T20 World Cup final.
Kagiso Rabada – Heinrich Klaasen Puts Bowlers Under Pressure
In a video posted by the International Cricket Council (ICC), South African cricketers spoke highly of Heinrich Klaasen. Kagiso Rabada emphasized how Klaasen puts pressure on bowlers, while David Miller commended his unwavering self-belief and confidence.
“He puts bowlers under pressure,” Kagiso Rabada said.
“His self-belief is right up there, and he oozes with confidence,” David Miller stated.
Gerald Coetzee says People Are Scared To Bowl Heinrich Klaasen
Gerald Coetzee pointed out that bowlers feel daunted by Heinrich Klaasen and struggle when bowling to him. Keshav Maharaj highlighted Klaasen’s commanding presence at the crease and his adeptness at anticipating bowlers’ tactics.
“He’s got a really good presence at the crease. People are scared to bowl to him,” said Gerald Coetzee.
“He’s like one step ahead of the bowler. He’s sort of reading what the bowler is trying to do, and you know, he hits various lengths that other guys aren’t able to hit it,” Keshav Maharaj said.
Tristan Stubbs said Heinrich Klaasen Plays Spin Is Just Incredible
Tabraiz Shamsi underscored Heinrich Klaasen’s adaptability in scoring fluently on both sides of the wicket against spinners and seamers alike. Tristan Stubbs praised Klaasen’s knack for punishing loose deliveries with towering sixes, particularly when facing spin bowlers.
“Often times you come across, batters that are strong but they can, you know, score predominantly on one side. Either on the off side or the leg side. With him, he’s somebody that has options on both sides. He doesn’t have a preference, you know, for spin or seam bowling,” Tabraiz Shamsi said.
“I think bowlers are also know if you miss to Klaasen… He’s going for six. So I think he does that really well when they do miss he hits it miles. And the way he plays spin is just incredible. So thankfully, he’s in our team,” Tristan Stubbs said.
In the current tournament, Heinrich Klaasen has accumulated 138 runs across seven matches, averaging 27.60 with a strike rate of 112.20. Throughout his career, he has amassed a total of 860 runs in 50 matches, maintaining an average of 23.24 and an impressive strike rate of 140.52. Klaasen has recorded four half-centuries, achieving a highest score of 81 runs.
