Last Updated: September 15, 2023, 23:35 IST
South Africa’s Heinrich Klaasen celebrates his century in the fourth ODI against Australia (AP)
Heinrich Klaasen smashed 174 off only 83 balls to help South Africa post a huge 416-5 in the fourth ODI against Australia.
South Africa wicketkeeper-batter Heinrich Klaasen smashed the fourth fastest 150 in men’s ODIs as South Africa recorded their seventh 400+ total when they posted a mammoth 416/5 against Australia at SuperSport Park on Friday.
Coming in at No. 5, Klaasen hit 13 fours and 13 sixes in the fourth-highest ODI innings by a South African batter.
South Africa made 268 runs in the last 20 overs and 173 in the last 10 as Klaasen plundered 174 off just 83 balls, recording his hundred off 57 deliveries. His 150 came in just 77 deliveries and overall, he hit 13 fours and as many sixes.
A run spree of such magnitude did not seem likely as accurate Australian bowling and a slower than usual Centurion pitch saw South Africa make relatively sedate progress on a ground known for high scoring.
At the second drinks break, the total was 157 for three off 32 overs.
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Klaasen was ably supported by David Miller, who shot a 45-ball 82 and helped South Africa smash their seventh total of over 400 in ODIs, the most by any team, as Australia were at the receiving end of a special batting innings.
Klaasen and Miller put on a record double-century stand off just 85 balls, finishing on 222 off 92 balls, the pair separated only off the final ball when Klaasen holed out off Marcus Stoinis. No other double century stand in the history of ODIs has come at a better run rate than the 14.47 between Miller and Klaasen on Friday.
Klaasen’s knock is now the eighth-highest score by a South African batter in men’s ODIs. The 57-ball hundred from his bat is also the second-fastest in ODIs against Australia after the 52 balls taken by Virat Kohli for his ton in Jaipur in 2013.
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The 174 by Klaasen is the second-highest score by a batter from No.5 or below in ODIs after Kapil Dev’s 175 not out against Zimbabwe in the 1983 World Cup. Australia had reduced South Africa to 194/4 in 34.1 overs before Klaasen and Miller joined forces for a destructive partnership.
South Africa, which lost the toss, is seeking to level the five-game series at 2-2 ahead of the Cricket World Cup in India next month.
(With inputs from Agencies)
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