Heinrich Klaasen Shines with Century as South Africa Crush England in World Cup Match
In a sensational Cricket World Cup showdown in Mumbai on Saturday, Heinrich Klaasen delivered a brilliant century, propelling South Africa to a resounding victory over England. The defeat left England’s title defense in serious jeopardy, as they suffered their worst-ever loss in a one-day international, succumbing by a massive margin of 229 runs.
Klaasen’s heroic innings of 109, despite battling cramps, powered South Africa to an imposing total of 399/7, which stands as the highest score England has ever conceded at this level of competition.
England’s troubles continued as they collapsed to 68-6 and later limped to 170-9 with 28 overs to spare when the match concluded. Reece Topley, the last man in, was unable to bat due to a hand injury sustained during South Africa’s innings.
This crushing defeat marked England’s most substantial ODI loss since their 221-run reversal against Australia in Melbourne back in 2002.
Klaasen found exceptional support in Marco Jansen, who contributed 75 not out in a remarkable sixth-wicket partnership of 151 in just 77 balls. Jansen, in addition to his batting heroics, took two early wickets in his role as a left-arm fast bowler.
Even the return of Ben Stokes, making his first appearance in the tournament, could not rescue England, as he was caught and bowled by Kagiso Rabada for a mere five runs.
With this loss being England’s third defeat in four games, including an unexpected loss to Afghanistan in their previous outing, their hopes of reaching the semi-finals are now hanging by a thread.
In contrast, this resounding victory was exactly what South Africa needed after their stunning defeat to the Netherlands, a non-Test nation.
Before his departure, the explosive Klaasen sent a six and a four off consecutive deliveries from fast bowler Mark Wood to complete his century in just 61 balls. He was eventually bowled out by Gus Atkinson in the last over, having hit a total of 12 fours and four sixes.
South Africa unleashed an onslaught in the final 10 overs, accumulating 143 runs, following the loss of the toss. Topley managed to take three wickets but conceded 88 runs in 8.5 overs, while express quick Wood went for 76 runs in his seven overs without claiming a wicket.
England, who won the toss, found an early breakthrough when they had Quinton de Kock caught behind off just the second ball of the innings. However, Reeza Hendricks, called up at the last minute after Proteas captain Temba Bavuma fell ill, notched 85 runs and partnered with Rassie van der Dussen (60) in a crucial second-wicket stand of 121 runs.
Leg-spinner Adil Rashid removed both Van der Dussen and Hendricks, but Jansen continued his fine performance by smashing two successive sixes off Topley’s full-tosses.
England opener Jonny Bairstow managed only 10 runs before Jansen continued his brilliance, dismissing Joe Root and Dawid Malan to leave England struggling at 24-3.
After Stokes’s departure, Gerald Coetzee took two wickets in three balls, with England captain Jos Buttler caught behind by opposing wicketkeeper De Kock, and Harry Brook dismissed lbw for 17, despite a desperate review.
South Africa’s dominance was epitomized when David Willey was brilliantly caught by a diving Rabada, running from mid-off, leaving England at 100-8.
The tailenders, Atkinson (35) and Wood (43 not out), delayed the inevitable, but Atkinson was eventually bowled out by spinner Keshav Maharaj.
