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South Africa, a nation renowned for its cricketing prowess but yet to clinch a 50-over World Cup title, appears resolute to make a mark in this edition and dispel the 'chokers' label.
Having posted a mammoth 400-plus score and another near-400 total, coupled with a commanding 229-run triumph over the reigning champions, England, South Africa's intent is clear as they gear up for their fixtures against cricketing giants New Zealand and India.
Heinrich Klaasen, who delivered a stellar performance with a 67-ball 109 against England, perceives the upcoming matches as an opportunity for South Africa to demonstrate their mettle in high-stakes situations, historically deemed their weak point.
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“Our World Cup performances, everyone, obviously, has got their tag over us but we have played some good cricket. We've been unlucky, and obviously, we did not execute on certain games,” Klaasen shared with the press.
He further elaborated, “This group has been playing good cricket for the last three years now. We've been maturing nicely. It is our time to really try to make a big statement for the world, that South Africans are very good under pressure. We have done it before.”
Klaasen, who notched up his third century this year, found the Mumbai conditions challenging. Despite the oppressive heat and humidity, he managed to hit 12 boundaries and four sixes. Describing his experience, he said, “It is like just breathing in hot air and every time you try to run it is just sapping more and more energy... It is like almost running in a sauna for the whole innings.”
During their match against England, Klaasen and Marco Jansen set a record for South Africa with a 151-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Klaasen praised Jansen's dedication and revealed a motivating exchange between them, “He told me that he has got me and that I am not allowed to walk off the field if I don't score 100.”
Klaasen also lauded Reeza Hendricks, who stepped in for the unwell captain Temba Bavuma and made a significant contribution with a score of 85. “Reeza got a late call... And to perform like that... shows where we are as a South African cricket group,” Klaasen concluded.
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