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In a stunning display of power-hitting, South Africa’s Heinrich Klaasen etched his name in the history books with a scintillating batting performance in the fourth One-Day International (ODI) against Australia at Supersport Park in Centurion on Friday. Klaasen’s incredible innings has left cricket fans worldwide in awe as he smashed a tremendous century, shattering numerous records along the way.
Klaasen, a right-handed batter, played an innings for the ages, scoring a breathtaking 174 runs from just 83 deliveries. His innings was studded with 13 fours and an equal number of sixes, leaving the Australian bowlers searching for answers.
Rare club with AB de Villiers
When Klaasen entered the crease at No. 5, the Proteas were 120/3 at the halfway mark. Initially, he started cautiously, milking singles and doubles during his first 25 balls, accumulating 24 runs. However, once he found his groove, there was no stopping him.
Klaasen’s assault on the Australian bowling attack was relentless. He targeted Adam Zampa, in particular, who ended up conceding a staggering 113 runs in his 10 overs, marking one of the most expensive spells in the history of ODIs.
Klaasen’s jaw-dropping strike rate of 209.64 during his innings saw him join the elite club of South African legend AB de Villiers. De Villiers had previously smashed an unbeaten 162 at a strike rate of 245.45 against West Indies.
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Record-breaking achievements:
Throughout his remarkable innings, Klaasen also set several records:
Fastest ODI Hundred vs Australia: Klaasen’s 57-ball century was the second fastest against Australia, with Virat Kohli holding the top spot with a 52-ball hundred in 2013.
Fastest 150s in ODIs: Klaasen reached his 150 off 77 balls, becoming the fourth fastest batter to achieve this milestone after De Villiers (64), Jos Buttler (65 and 76).
Most Sixes in an Innings for South Africa: Klaasen smashed 13 maximums, becoming the second South African batter after De Villiers (16) to hit the most sixes in an ODI innings.
Fastest ODI Tons for South Africa: Klaasen’s 57-ball century ranks fifth in the list of fastest ODI hundreds for the Proteas.
Highest Individual Scores from No.5 or below in ODIs: Klaasen’s 174 has now become the second-highest individual score in ODIs at No.5 or below. Indian cricket legend Kapil Dev is at the top with his unbeaten 175 against Zimbabwe in 1983.
