Heinrich Klaasen smashes his fourth ODI hundred, surpasses 1,500 runs
South African dasher Heinrich Klaasen hammered a sensational century against England in the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup in Mumbai. He registered his fourth ODI hundred and his maiden ton in ODI World Cup. Klaasen reached the triple-figure mark in 61 deliveries. This is also his first 50-plus score in the ODI World Cup. SA managed 399/7 in 50 overs versus England.
Second-highest run-scorer for SA this year in 2023
Klaasen is SA's second-highest run-scorer this year in 2023. He is only behind Aiden Markram, who has compiled 782 runs this year at an average of 60.15. With this century, Klaasen becomes only the second SA batter to touch the 700-run mark. Notably, he has hammered three centuries this year, matching Markram's tally. He owns a stunning strike rate of 148.04.
1,500 ODI runs for Klaasen
Courtesy of this knock, Klaasen has amassed 1,517 runs in ODI cricket. Playing in his 45th ODI, he owns an average of 43.34 with a strike rate of 114.57. Against England, he has amassed 291 runs from seven ODIs. Notably, this is his first ODI ton against England along with a solitary fifty. On Asian soil, Klaasen has hammered 457 runs in 12 matches.
Third-fastest century for South Africa in the ODI World Cup
Klaasen completed his century in 61 deliveries as he recorded the third-fastest century for SA in the World Cup. Here are the three fastest centuries for SA in the ODI World Cup: Aiden Markram - 49 deliveries vs SL in 2023 AB de Villiers - 52 deliveries vs WI in 2015 Klaasen - 61 deliveries vs England in 2023.
Sixth-fastest century in ODI World Cup history
Klaasen's 61-ball ton is the sixth-fastest ODI World Cup century. Markram - 49 balls vs SL in 2023 Kevin O'Brien - 50 balls vs England in 2011 Glenn Maxwell - 51 balls vs SL in 2015 De Villiers - 52 balls vs WI in 2015 Eoin Morgan - 57 balls vs Afghanistan in 2019 Klaasen - 61 balls vs England in 2023.
SA record the highest ODI World Cup score against England
SA were off to a poor start before Hendricks and Dussen smashed respective half-centuries. Aiden Markram too scored a defiant 42 to keep the scorecard moving. Basher Klaasen took over and slammed a century (109). All-rounder Marco Jansen stepped up and delivered a whirlwind fifty. For England, Reece Topley claimed 3/88. SA have registered the highest World Cup score against England.
Klaasen delivers the goods
Klaasen was at his absolute best and spanked the erring England bowlers. His massive stand alongside Jansen stole the show as SA posted 143/2 in the final 10 overs. He smashed 16 boundaries, including four sixes.
Klaasen registers this unique World Cup record versus England
Klaasen has become South Africa's maiden World Cup centurion versus England. Before this, Graeme Smith held the record for the highest individual score against England for SA (89* in 2007).
