Proteas wicketkeeper-batter Heinrich Klaasen accused Cricket South Africa following the team’s loss during the first ODI of the three-match series against Pakistan. Heinrich Klaasen stated that he had never seen a ball reverse so much in ODI matches after playing at this venue for over a decade in his career.
Pakistan defeated South Africa by three wickets in the first ODI match at Paarl on Tuesday, December 17. South Africa posted 239/9 in 50 overs, but Pakistan chased down the target in 49.3 overs to take a 1-0 series lead. Salman Ali Agha was named Player of the Match for his all-round performance.
I’ve Never Seen the Ball Reverse Like That – Heinrich Klaasen
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Heinrich Klaasen expressed surprise at the ball reversing early during the game. He said that the ball began reversing within 20 overs despite the rain and a green outfield. Klaasen stated that it felt like a four-day match under hot conditions.
“I’ve played here for 10-13 years. It rained last night. With a green outfield like this, I’ve never seen the ball reverse like that in 20 overs. The balls are only 25 overs old in an ODI game, but in 20 overs, that ball was shaping like a 4-day game in proper heat,” Klaasen told reporters.
Heinrich Klaasen Top Scorer for South Africa in First ODI
South Africa elected to bat first after winning the toss. Openers Tony de Zorzi and Ryan Rickelton added a 70-run partnership in 9.5 overs. However, Salman Ali Agha turned the game in Pakistan’s favor, dismissing de Zorzi, Rickelton, Rassie van der Dussen, and Tristan Stubbs to reduce South Africa to 88/4.
Aiden Markram and Heinrich Klaasen revived the innings with a 73-run stand for the fifth wicket. Markram scored 35 before falling in the 32nd over. Klaasen was the top-scorer for the hosts with 86 off 97 balls. He didn’t get support from South Africa’s lower-order batters. They finished with 239 in 50 overs.
In reply, Pakistan had a rough start in their chase, losing four key batters for just 60 runs. However, Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha helped the team recover. Ayub scored 109 runs off 119 deliveries, while Agha scored an unbeaten 82 runs off just 90 deliveries and finished the run chase with three balls to spare.
We Were Looking 270-290 – Aiden Markram
Aiden Markram said they were aiming for a target of 270-290 but fell short. He acknowledged room for improvement in both batting and bowling, emphasizing the need for better performances in the next match in Cape Town.
“We were looking 270-290. We can reflect on both departments and find solutions for Cape Town. We were 80% with both bat and bat. We will reflect and see what we can do better. The two boys got us off to a good start. There are positives. Proud of the fight and taking it to the last over, it is part of the South African culture,” Markram said.
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