‘Absolute Carnage!’ – Fans shower praise on Heinrich Klaasen for his magnificent 174-run knock against Australia in 4th ODI

South Africa’s Heinrich Klaasen unleashed a breathtaking display of power hitting in the fourth ODI against Australia, smashing an astonishing 174 runs from just 83 balls at the SuperSport Park in Centurion on Friday, September 15. He guided South Africa to an imposing total of 416 runs in the first innings.

Earlier, asked to bat first, they got off to a strong fifty partnership thanks to the South African openers Quinton de Kock and Reeza Hendricks. De Kock was knocked down by Josh Hazlewood as he attempted to play a huge shot, while Hendricks was dismissed by a beautiful delivery from Nathan Ellis. 

South Africa had amassed 120/3 in 25.1 overs at the time skipper Aiden Markram was bowled for 8 runs. At that point, Australia would have been the slightly happier side, but little did they aware of what was going to happen next. Rassie van der Dussen, who was benched for the prior ODI, was active at the wicket and scored a magnificent fifty. 

Enjoyed putting up that partnership with Miller: Heinrich Klassen

Klaasen also didn’t waste any time getting started, and the two of them immediately began to boost the ante. Dussen’s removal by Hazlewood ended the 74-run run partnership, and that marked the final glimmer of hope for the visitors in that inning. Klaasen demonstrated his hitting skills. He has been in the best form of his life, particularly in the shortest format. 

As he smashed 13 fours and 13 sixes to play one of the best ODI innings ever, he didn’t spare any of the Australian bowlers. None of his schemes were successful. As the couple formed a double-century stand, David Miller, who was striking at 180+, played second fiddle as the pair broke multiple records. In the post-innings interview, Klassen discussed his hit.

“It’s incredible, I had the shock of the day the other night (dismissed for a duck), but nice to bounce back immediately. Enjoyed putting up that partnership with Miller. We (himself and van der Dussen) needed to allow a few overs, the new grass has meant the ball isn’t going quicker and then Rassie said we had to start having a go. No better place to be on a Friday afternoon, my family stays near and I love playing at this venue. The pitch is good, we felt we were a long way from a par score at one stage, if we can keep it simple, we should defend this score.”

Here’s how fans reacted:

RCB Blood pic.twitter.com/ZlwU7HklM7

— Aman (@Chiku_Bhaiya) September 15, 2023

https://twitter.com/Guri_Pbks/status/1702696303040344167

He went Berserk …
Was playing EA sports Cricket07… With aussies

— Extraa Cover (@ExtraaaCover) September 15, 2023

Probably the best overseas player against the soon bowling

— Ash (@Ashsay_) September 15, 2023

https://twitter.com/Miss_Anky/status/1702697405668552747

This knock remember me the ABD knock for the Fastest century in odi

— Mintu Dutta (@MNGamin65372627) September 15, 2023

Australia all over the park for a six

— Vजय Sharमाँ (@vij7227) September 15, 2023

https://twitter.com/Den__gue/status/1702696101365838124

https://twitter.com/gyaniKhopdi/status/1702696237815025881

https://twitter.com/Bizarre___S/status/1702696576605737114