On Sunday, Heinrich Klaasen replaced Quinton de Kock in South Africa’s playing XI against India in the second T20I and won the player of the match award.
Heinrich Klaasen of South Africa. credit: Reuters
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- Klaasen scored 81 in Cuttack T20I
- Klaasen named player of the match in second T20I
- The third T20 match will be held on Tuesday
Right-handed batsman Heinrich Klaasen was relieved after winning the player of the match award in South Africa’s second T20I against India at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack. On Sunday, June 12, the Proteas beat Rishabh Pant & Co by four wickets to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.
Klaasen scored 81 runs in 46 balls with seven fours and five sixes as South Africa chased down the target of 149 with 10 balls to spare. Klaasen admitted he has been a bit inconsistent over the past two years, but was happy to play match-winning innings.
,[On getting an idea of the surface while keeping] It always gives a hint but doesn’t make it easy. I am happy that the innings came against India. I hope it will prolong my career. I haven’t done well in the last few years. I am very happy and confident to be here.
Earlier during the toss, Proteas captain Temba Bavuma said that Quinton de Kock has suffered a hand injury. The visiting team took Klaasen in place of de Kock and this decision benefited a lot.
“Quinney came up to me on the team bus two days ago and said he had a wrist injury. I thought he was a strong character and he would be fine. But yesterday again he said that his hand is not good. Yesterday morning, we came to training and the coach told me I could play,” Klaasen said.
The third T20I of the series is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, June 14 at the Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam.