Heinrich Klaasen, a South African batsman, stated after his team’s four-run victory over Bangladesh in their ICC T20 World Cup match that although the low-scoring short format matches in New York are not a “great selling product” to the general public, they are an exciting and competitive part of cricket for die-hard fans.
At the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium on Monday (local time), South Africa emerged victorious over Bangladesh in a thrilling match between two unbeaten teams, advancing one step closer to the Super 8 stage. When it comes to playing combinations, batting and bowling orders, or decisions made after winning the toss, most people stick to tried and tested methods (especially when playing at the same venue where prior matches have been highly successful).
Though they were successful in their two attempts to chase in the first two matches of the campaign, South Africa decided to bat first. Explaining this choice, Heinrich Klaasen cited the outstanding performance of the Bangladeshi bowlers, who have proven to be very effective on slow tracks in the past. He acknowledged them as among of the best in applying cutters and slower-ball variations, highlighting their skillful use of those tools.
Heinrich Klaasen Speaking On Slow Paced Pitches.
When asked whether the players enjoy playing on these challenging pitches after the game in the post-game press conference, Heinrich Klaasen responded,
“It is still good cricket for the cricket lovers that is out there. If you have to showcase it to the world and sell it, I do not think it’s a great selling product, but for cricket, it is tight competition. It brings the other teams and the higher teams very close to each other, so the game is open to any team that does the basics of cricket very well.”
“For us, it is very nerve-wracking, because every game becomes a really big game. There are no easy games for us especially in our group. So, it is still good entertaining cricket. Everyone is on the edge of their seat and any team can beat any team on the down this on this field,” he added.
When asked if his side was eager to go on to the Super 8 stage in the Caribbean at this time, Heinrich Klaasen responded in a hilarious way, saying that although the hitters were eager to get out of the place, the bowlers would have like to stay.
“We have done our job that was the goal to win three out of three here. It was a little bit harder than what we thought, but that is also good preparation for going into the next phase of this competition. We have dealt with pressure very well in these three games and it is always a good experience and you can put it in a notebook and always go back when the tough times are there again.”
According to Heinrich Klaasen, a score of 160–170 would be excellent on the Caribbean wickets when it came to what would be par in the West Indies at the Super 8 stage.
Cricket In Other Countries
Speaking if cricket should go to other countries like Argentina, Brazil, Russia etc, the batter said,
“I think there is a lot of places where – I know there was a Europe League that got started and that got cancelled. We are open as cricketers anywhere as long as it is good conditions and we can play good cricket, we are all open to it and I think it is a good idea to play maybe T20 cricket around the world in different countries. So, I am open to that idea.”
After winning the toss, South Africa decided to bat first. Bangladesh reached 113/6 in 20 overs thanks to strikes from Heinrich Klaasen (46 in 44 balls, two fours and three sixes) and David Miller (29 in 38 balls, one four and one six). At one time, SA was only able to reach 24/4. For Bangladesh, Tanzim Hasan Sakib (3/18) was the best bowler. In his four overs, Taskin Ahmed claimed (2/19) as well.
Bangladesh was 50/4 in 9.5 overs during the run chase. But Towhid Hridoy brought them closer to win with his 37 in 34 balls, which included two fours and two sixes. Before being caught by Markram, Mahmudullah (20 in 27 balls, with two fours) came dangerously close to winning for Bangladesh. Bangladesh tragically lost the chase after reaching 109/7 in their 20 overs.
For South Africa, Keshav Maharaj (3/27) was the best bowler. Anrich Nortje (2/17) and Kagiso Rabada (2/19) both produced excellent spells. With three victories from three games and six points, South Africa leads Group D. Bangladesh has two points from a victory and a loss, placing them at number two.
Heinrich Klaasen will be a key player for South Africa’s World Cup dream this year after a fabulous IPL season with the Sunrisers Hyderabad in India. Heinrich Klaasen can take the game away from he opposition at given time of the game.
Also Read : https://goworldwide.co.in/icc-t20-world-cup-2024-3-reasons-for-indias-outstanding-victory-against-pakistan/