MUMBAI: Following South Africa’s 149-run win against Bangladesh in the 23rd match of the ODI World Cup 2023 at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Tuesday, Proteas wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock lavished praise on Heinrich Klaasen, who played a steller 90 runs knock, and said that he has just been special in the tournament.
While speaking at the post-match conference, De Kock said that every South African player played well in the match against Bangladesh.
After his stellar knock in the first inning of the match, the left-handed batsman said he was a bit more tired than satisfied.
“To be honest, I am a bit more tired than satisfied (after a spectacular knock), I think we all played really well and everyone did their part and it was nice to get those two points on the board. Not just too sure, it is just happening I guess (speaking about his conversion rate in India). I was a little nervous this morning, but it was a great day and I had a bit of fun and it’s great to get another 2 points. He (Klaasen) has been truly amazing, I also need some of the juice that he is having. He has just been special, not just for us but for everyone around the world. He is really taking it by storm and I am very happy for him,” Quinton de Kock said.
On the other hand, Proteas skipper Aiden Markram said that they had to work hard towards the end of the game but it was a great day.
While speaking on Temba Bavuma’s injury, Markram said that he has improved but is still not 100% fit.
“Was another good day. Tough to grind it out towards the end, but all in all it was a great day. Not necessarily (death bowling a problem?). Guys have worked quite hard at the death. Especially against Mahmudullah who played fantastically, we thought it was an opportunity to execute our death bowling plans. What Quinny did tonight was obviously superb. And then to have a guy like Klaasen who walks in and smashes it. It’s quite different how each person in the top 6 plays. It’s something you can’t take for granted and we won’t do that. Temba improved quite a lot coming into this game, just wasn’t 100 per cent. Hopefully, he can be ready for Pakistan,” Aiden Markram said.
Coming to the match between South Africa and Bangladesh in the 23rd ODI World Cup match, Quinton de Kock played a magnificent inning and scored 174 runs from 140 balls with a strike rate of 124.29. The wicketkeeper-batsman smashed 15 fours and seven sixes.
Heinrich Klaasen continued his stellar form and scored 90 runs from 49 balls with a strike rate of 183.67. Klaasen hit two fours and eight sixes in the game.
Apart from Klaasen and Kock, Proteas skipper Aiden Makram played a 60-run knock from 69 balls.
Bangladesh displayed a disappointing performance with the ball. Only Hasan Mahmud bagged two wickets from his six-over spell and gave away 67 runs.
Other than that, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shoriful Islam, and Shakib picked up one wicket each in their respective spells. De Kock and Klaasen took South Africa at 382/5 in the first inning.
In the run-chase inning, only Mahmudullah played an applaudable knock for the Tigers. He scored 111 runs from 111 balls. Apart from Mahmudullah, no other Bangladesh batsmen were able to make a half-century.
Gerald Coetzee again led the South African bowling attack after he scalped three wickets in his 10-over spell and gave away 62 runs. On the other hand, Marco Jansen, Lizaad Williams, and Kagiso Rabada picked up two wickets each in their respective spells.
South Africa currently holds the second place in the ODI World Cup 2023 standings with eight points and a net run rate of +2.370. (ANI)