The New York pitch has tested batters’ technique and patience in a fast-paced format. The conditions were expected to suit the batters but it has been a paradise for bowlers. On June 10, South Africa managed to defend the lowest target in the history of T20 World Cups by beating Bangladesh by four runs. Despite a splendid bowling effort, Heinrich Klaasen was named the ‘Player of the match’ for his patient 44-ball 46. He shared a crucial 79-run partnership from as many bowlers with David Miller to create a T20 World Cup record.
The partnership between Klaasen and Miller is the longest for fifth wicket or below in T20 World Cups by balls. The previous record belonged to India's Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya when they faced 78 balls together against Pakistan in the iconic run chase at the MCG in T20 World Cup 2022.
Another record broken
The partnership between Klaasen and Miller is also the highest partnership for South Africa for fifth wicket or below in T20 World Cups. The previous highest of 69 runs came against India in the inaugural edition of T20 World Cup. In Durban, Mark Boucher and Albie Morkel shared a 69-run partnership against MS Dhoni-led India.
Klassen makes much-needed transition
Klaasen who was used to hit big for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, hit two fours and three sixes in his 44-ball 46 before getting bowled by Taskin Ahmed in the 18th over. On the other end, Miller struggled and scored 29 runs from 38 balls including a four and a six. He got bowled by leg-spinner Rishad Hossain in the penultimate over.
In the post-match presentation, he revealed that the game had to be approached with a One-Day mindset.
“That was not nice on the heart but good that we got over the line. The wicket is not too great for strokeplay. We got some good information from the last game and applied it today, we got a decent score. Luckily we’ve got experience in the change room, we almost had a One-Day mindset. Three pressure games now but I think we’re through so that’s good,” said the 32-year-old.
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