Twitter Reactions: Heinrich Klassen's blitzkrieg spoils Caribbean party to level series

South Africa won the match by five wickets.

Published - 21 Mar 2023, 20:47 IST | Updated - 21 Mar 2023, 20:47 IST

19 Min Read

After losing the second ODI of the series against West Indies, the Temba Bavuma-led side was determined to win the third match and eventually did it in style. The team faced a lot of difficulties in achieving their target but in the end, everything looked easy as the Proteas defeated West Indies by five wickets.

Batting first, West Indies had a poor start, losing three quick wickets of Kyle Mayers (14 runs off 22 deliveries), Shamarh Brooks (18 runs off 24 deliveries) and skipper Shai Hope (16 runs off 27 deliveries). However, opener Brandon King held his nerves and stabilised the situation along with former skipper Nicholas Pooran.

King showed a lot of composure in the middle as the 28-year-old scored 72 runs off 72 deliveries. Nicholas Pooran on the other hand scored 39 off 41 deliveries. Later, all-rounder Jason Holder played an important knock of 36 off 43 deliveries and courtesy of these contributions, West Indies posted 260 runs on board after the first innings.

Notably, South Africa were phenomenal with the ball. In the absence of experience pacers like Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje, the youngsters stepped up as Marco Jansen and Gerald Coetzee picked up two wickets each.

However, when it comes to their batting, South Africa too had a relatively poor start. They lost four wickets within 13 overs and things were not looking easy for them in the middle. However, the introduction of Heinrich Klaasen absolutely changed the complexion of the game.

The 31-year-old ran havoc in the middle, scoring 119* runs off just 61 deliveries and with that, South Africa chased the total down within 30 overs. Notably, Marco Jansen (43 runs off 33 deliveries) supported him well in the middle as South Africa made an emphatic return to end the series on level terms.

Now courtesy of his blistering innings, Klaasen has been adjudged the player of the match. In his post-match interaction, he revealed that the wicket was great to bat on and he is very proud of his innings.

Here's how Twitter reacted -

Fans Crickets@_fans_cricket

knock to remember, Take a bow, Klaasen. South Africa were 87 for 4 while chasing 261 runs and then Klaasen smashed 119* from just 61 balls, some ridiculous ball striking. #SAvsWI

08:31 PM · Mar 21, 2023

Nilesh G@oye_nilesh

From 87/4 to 264/6 - An Klassic partnership between Heinrich Klassen and Marco Jansen helped South Africa beat WI by 4 wickets! Klassen scored magnificent century & remained unbeaten on 119*(61) 3 Match ODI series ended with 1-1 #SAvWI #SAvsWI

08:28 PM · Mar 21, 2023

Zandy💙🧚‍♀️@Zandy_Dladla

Klaasen take a Bow 👏 😭😭♥️♥️❤️🥺 #SAvsWI well played

08:27 PM · Mar 21, 2023

Vamshi 🇮🇳@koduru_vamshi

When the lights are brightest Pressure is highest The best will arrive The greatest will thrive When SA collapsing in crucial match, this man launched counter attack. Best pick by SRH #SRH #klassen #SAvsWI #SouthAfricaCricket

08:23 PM · Mar 21, 2023

Noko@TruthOrPeace_

Marco Jansen, you beauty, new age Shaun Pollock, the boy can hitting a long ball #SAvsWI

08:21 PM · Mar 21, 2023

dinesh dinu@dinesh_offl_06

That why Klassie is my man 💚🔥 Well played Boychi ❤️ #SAvsWI

08:20 PM · Mar 21, 2023

Malik Farhan 18!@imMalikFarhan

Klassen unbeaten 119* runs as south africa 🇿🇦 draw the series by 1-1🏏 #SAvsWI

08:18 PM · Mar 21, 2023

Cric_Expert@cricwithexpert

Fastest ODI 100's SA by balls 31 - ABD vs West Indies, Johannesburg, 2015 44- M Boucher vs Zimbabwe, Potchefstroom, 2006 52 - ABD vs West Indies, Sydney, 2015 54 - H Klaasen vs West Indies, Potchefstroom, today 57 - ABD vs India, Mumbai, 2015 #SAvsWI

08:16 PM · Mar 21, 2023

Uday Khandelwal@Uday_khandelwal

SA have chased down 260 in less than 30 overs. Klaasen is batting superbly and takes the attack to the opposition. If SA qualify for the WORLD cup he will be one to watch out for. #SAvsWI #Proteafire

08:16 PM · Mar 21, 2023

🇿🇦Kwazi Carren@CarrenKB

Inside 30 overs Wow #SAvsWI

08:15 PM · Mar 21, 2023

Aidan Head@aidan_head

Take a bow Heinrich Klaasen 🇿🇦👏🏼 What an innings to lead us to victory! #SAvsWI

08:14 PM · Mar 21, 2023

Kartik Kannan@kartik_kannan

Today's SA vs WI at Potchfestroom reminds me of the Ind vs SL game at Hobart where 320 was chased in 36 overs. SA are 245/6 in 29 overs chasing 261 in 50. IPL prep or 50 over World Cup strategy to go hard? #SAvsWI

08:09 PM · Mar 21, 2023

Cricket Gyaan@cricketgyaan_

What a brilliant Hundred By Heinrich Kla asen in a under Pressure Run Chase 🤯💯 #SAvsWI #CricketTwitter

08:09 PM · Mar 21, 2023

Dave Nosworthy@DONCRICKET

NOTHING CHANGES - As still really tough to defend any target in #Potchefstroom ! Well done @ProteasMenCSA ! Excellent striking 🔥 from #HeinrichKlassen 👏🏻 - dangerous white ball cricketer for sure, not so sure though re his Test selection…🤔🏏🙏🏻 #SAvsWI

08:06 PM · Mar 21, 2023

Patrick Owgan@PaddyOwgan

There should be a total list of zero ppl on the Klaasen doubters list. Unbelievable player and a proper good guy to boot. That's a proper ODI hundred. #SAvsWI twitter.com/LawrenceBailey…

Lawrence Bailey ⚪ 🇿🇦@LawrenceBailey0

Please check on the Klaasen doubters out there people! There where many of them! #SAvsWI

08:03 PM · Mar 21, 2023

Running Flyhalf@Running_Flyhalf

Marco is turning out to be a proper 7. #SAvsWI Klaasen needs to be in top 5.

08:01 PM · Mar 21, 2023

Cricket Chronicle@caughtatpoint17

Very well played there, #BrandonKing Maybe a hundred was on the cards. #WIvSA

03:10 PM · Mar 21, 2023

Archer@poserarcher

Loving this onslaught by Brandon King wow

02:55 PM · Mar 21, 2023

jigar saraswat@jigar31

I feel WI are finding some lot of players and #Alzarrijoseph in that is real good talent. You get glimpse of top WI legends in him he is tall, lean, he has pace, attacking bowler good prospect. #SAvsWI #WIvsSA

06:22 PM · Mar 21, 2023