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In a high-stakes clash during the Australia tour of South Africa 2023, cricket enthusiasts were treated to an exhilarating showdown that set Twitter ablaze. The fourth ODI between the two formidable sides, held at SuperSport Park in Centurion, was nothing short of a spectacle and saw an incredible batting display from Proteas batter Heinrich Klaasen as the hosts put up an astounding pe๊rformance in the contest.
Leading the four-match series 2-1, Australia won the toss and decide🅰d to bowl first in the match, but little did they know that their decision would soon be met with an onslaught from the South African batters.
A firework display of cricket from South Africa
South Africa’s innings were nothing short of extraordinary. They amassed a staggering total of 416/5, with contributions from several key players. Quinton de Kock opened the innings with a steady 45 off 64 balls, setting the stage for the fireworks that were about to follow. Rassie van der Dussen chipped in with a crucial 62 off 65 balls.
However, the highlight of the day was Klaasen’s unforgettable performance. Klaasen unleashed a furious onslaught on the Australian bowlers, smashing his way to a remarkable 174 runs from just 83 deliveries. What made this innings even more special was the fact that Klaasen reached his century in just 57 balls, making it his second-fastest century and third overall in ODI cricket. It was a masterclass in aggressive batting that left the fans in awe.
David Miller played a vital supporting role, adding 82 runs from just 45 balls to further compound Australia’s misery. Josh Hazlewood managed to pick up꧟ two wickets for Australia, but the damage was already done.
Also READ: Tw💞itter erupts as England’s Dawid Malan lights up Lord’s with a brilliant century in the 4th ODI against Ne♕w Zealand
Adam Zampa’s nightmare
The starkest contrast of the day was seen in the performance of Australian spinner Adam Zampa. He bowled his full quota of 10 overs and conceded a whopping 113 runs. This performance equalled the embarrassing record of former Australian bowler Mick Lewis for delivering the joint-most expensive🎀 figures ever in an ODI.
Twitter erupts in celebration and lauds Heinrich Klaasen
As Klaasen went on his r꧃ampage mode, Twitter erupted in celebration. Cricket fans from all over the world took to social media to express their amazement and admiration for the South African batter. The sheer power and precision of his strokes left everyone spellbound.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Heinrich Klaasen's classy 174! 🔥
He i♛s one o🍬f the top middle-order batters in the world right now with this form.
What a player
What a knock 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽— DK (@DineshKarthik)
When there's a rise in the strike-rate, remember there's a Riser named Klaasen on the field! 🔥🤌
1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ off just 57 balls! 🥵
— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers)
Even in 𒀰this era of brutal power-hitting, Heinrich Klaasen has produced a level of brutality rarely seen in ODI cricket with bat in hand & he sums it up with a rather understated, “It was one of my better ones.” Yea🌺h, why not
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07)
Highest ODI score at 200+ strike rate:
174 – Heinrich Klaasen🇿🇦 v AUS, TODAY
162* – AB de Villiers🇿🇦 v WI, 2015
162* – Jos Buttler🏴 v NETH, 2022
149 – AB de Villiers🇿🇦 v WI, 2015— Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats)
South Africa have amassed 416/5 from their 50 overs against Austr꧟alia. They smashed 259 runs from the last 18 overs only 🔥🔥🔥
Klaasen 174(83) & Miller 82*(45) stood out in the d🀅o-or-die match 🇿🇦♥️
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan)
This is brutal Display of Batting by Klaasen
— C♓A. Sahil M🎃aheshwari🇮🇳 (@SahilMaheshwa18)
Quite a terrific comeback by South Africa this, won the last one and now absolute thrashing by Klaasen…….this guy has had an amazing year right from SA20, IPL and in International Cricket 🔥🔥
— Sanskar Gemawat (@thatSanskariGuy)
Heinrich Klaasen today:
•Scored 174(83) with 209.64 SR.
•Highest score at No.5 in ODIs.
•Highest score with 200+ SR.
•Part of fastest 200 runs partnership in ODIs.
•2nd Most Sixes in an inns for SA in ODIs.
•His highest score in ODI career.Klaasen created history..!!
— CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh)
Henrich Klaa✃sen was 24*(25) at the end of ꦛ32 overs.
Last 150 runs in just 58 balls.
– One of the greatest knock ever…!!!
— M Asif Shahzad (@theasifshahzad)
Klaasen was on 72 off 49 balls
Then he made 102 off his next 34 balls
— Werner (@Werries_)
164 runs in the last 9 overs by Klaasen and Miller – 14 sixes, 11 fours. A brutal show! Wtf 💀
— Aman Vai (@Amandhyaniok)
TAKE A BOW, HEINRICH KLAASEN….!!!
If destruction has a dual face
One of the finest ever knocks in the history of ODIs – 174 (83) with 13 fours and 13 sixes. What a finish by Klaasen and Miller, absolute blistering hitting .
— Dr Jitumoni Baishya (@Jitumoni28)
