Champions Trophy: Klaasen-Rassie stand helps SA beat England, reach semis
What's the story
South Africa thrashed England in Karachi to reach the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy semi-finals.
The Proteas successfully chased down 180, with Rassie van der Dussen and Heinrich Klaasen getting them home. While Klaasen departed toward the end (64), van der Dussen returned unbeaten.
Earlier, Marco Jansen and Wiaan Mulder helped the Proteas bowl England out for 179 (38.2 overs).
Here are the key stats.
Stand
How the duo powered SA to win
England came out with an attacking approach as Jofra Archer dismissed Tristan Stubbs for a duck.
The Proteas also lost Ryan Rickelton in the first powerplay, however, fifty-Klaasen and van der Dussen made it one-sided.
Klaasen, who had a rather balanced approach, slammed a 56-ball 64 (11 fours). Van der Dussen played second fiddle, scoring a 87-ball 72* (4s: 6 and 6s: 3).
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Century-plus partnership for Klaasen, van der Dussen
Klaasen joined van der Dussen when SA were down to 47/2 in the ninth over. The duo took charge and added 127 runs to shatter England's hopes. Adil Rashid dismissed Klaasen thereafter, but it was too late for England.
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A balanced knock from Klaasen
Klaasen has now raced to 15 fifty-plus scores in ODI cricket. As per Cricbuzz, the knock against England was his only one (50+ score) without a six. His other 14 fifty-plus scores had at least one maximum.
Stats
A look at their ODI stats
Klaasen, who is known for his powerful hitting, has emerged as South Africa's mainstay middle-order batter.
In 59 ODIs, he has raced 2,138 runs at an average of 44.54. His tally includes a strike-rate of 117.34. The one against England was his 11th ODI fifty (four tons).
Meanwhile, van der Dussen, who slammed his 16th ODI fifty, has reached 2,588 runs at 49.76.