IPL 2023: Former England batter’s unpopular take, picks Hienrich Klaasen’s ton over Virat Kohli
Heinrich Klaasen and Virat Kohli (Source: Twitter)
Heinrich Klaasen’s first century was overshadowed by Virat Kohli’s century as Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) overcame Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Thursday to advance significantly in the playoff race in the sixteenth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Klaasen played a crucial role in helping SRH reach a respectable total, but it was Kohli’s outstanding innings and another valiant effort from Faf du Plessis that ultimately made the difference for RCB.
Kevin Pietersen, a former captain of the England cricket team, expressed an “unpopular opinion” by saying that he would rate Klaasen’s effort better than Kohli’s due to the SRH cricketers’ lack of support compared to RCB.
‘Heinrich’s was the better ton of the two’ – Kevin Pietersen
“Let me say an unpopular thought. Heinrich’s was the better ton of the two. Klaasen’s innings was the better one. Imagine being part of a team that is already out, with little support. Playing for a team which is so dysfunctional…it’s brilliant,” Kevin Pietersen said on Star Sports in the post-match show. “The way that Klaasen played today was phenomenal,” he opined.
Heinrich Klaasen showed off his powerhouse skills during his sensational 51-ball 104-run knock, smashing six sixes and eight fours while taking SRH from 28 for 2 in the fifth over to 186 for five. However, RCB had slightly different plans as the 172-run opening stand between Virat Kohli (100) and Faf du Plessis (71), the highest partnership of the season, helped RCB chase down the total. They romped home with four balls to spare.
Despite being level with Mumbai Indians on 14 points after the win, RCB moved up to fourth place thanks to their improved net run rate. However, they will need to win their next game in order to remain competitive, as Lucknow Super Giants and Chennai Super Kings both have 15 points with one game remaining. In his 63-ball innings, Kohli struck four maximums and 12 fours, and in his 47-ball innings, du Plessis smashed seven fours and two sixes. The two exhibited a chasing masterclass.
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