[Watch] Wankhede Treated, England Punished As Heinrich Klaasen Stamps A Killer Century

Klaasen smashed English bowlers with his ton (AP Photo)

The Wankhede crowd were treated with the Heinrich Klaasen storm as the dashing middle-order batter not only carried the South Africa innings through the middle phase but smashed one of the greatest centuries hit by a Proteas batter in World Cups. Klaasen slammed a spellbinding ton off just 61 balls, hitting at a strike rate of over 160. 

Watch: Klaasen's angry celebration after century 

The Wankhede crowd were treated with the Heinrich Klaasen storm as the dashing middle-order batter not only carried the South Africa innings through the middle phase but smashed one of the greatest centuries hit by a Proteas batter in World Cups. Klaasen slammed a spellbinding ton off just 61 balls, hitting at a strike rate of over 160. 

Klaasen, who came to the crease with Aiden Markram at the crease, began on a cautious note and stitched a 69-run partnership with the stand-in skipper, scoring 35 runs off 28 balls. However, Markram and David Miller fell quickly, leaving the onus on the century-maker. 

The explosive right-batter got assistance in the form of Marco Jansen, who batted out of his skin with his 42-ball 75. The duo shared 151 runs for the sixth wicket, where the seam-bowling all-rounder overshadowed the specialist batter at times.

The 32-year-old ended his day on 109 after playing 67 balls, smacking four biggies and eight equally brilliant boundaries. During most of his knock, Klaasen was seen limping due to leg cramps. However, he got the reward as he hit his fourth ODI century and first in any ICC event. 

The South African innings ended just one run shy of the glory number of 400, as they slammed 143 runs in the last ten overs and 84 runs in the last five overs.

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