NEW DELHI: South Africa, a nation that has never won the 50-over World Cup despite producing top players and teams, are determined to shed the 'chokers' tag in this edition of the tournament. With impressive performances, including a 400-plus total and a near-400 total, as well as a massive 229-run victory over reigning champions England, South Africa is making a strong statement ahead of their fixtures against New Zealand and India.
Heinrich Klaasen, who played a blistering 67-ball 109 against England, sees these upcoming matches as an opportunity for his team to perform under high-pressure situations, an area that has been a challenge for South African teams in the past.
"Despite the tags associated with our World Cup performances, we've played good cricket. We've had our share of bad luck and missed opportunities in certain games," Klaasen told the media.
1/10:World Cup: Klaasen smashes ton as South Africa thump England
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2/10:Klaasen's leads South Africa to victory
Heinrich Klaasen scores a 61-ball century as South Africa posted 399 and bowled England out for 170.AFP
3/10:England's title defense in jeopardy
Defending champions England have lost three of their opening four games and are at risk of not making the semi-finals.AFP
4/10:South Africa batters overwhelm England
England's bowlers struggle to contain South Africa's power hitting in hot and humid conditions.PTI
5/10:Klaasen & Jansen's record partnership
Heinrich Klaasen and Marco Jansen put on a 151-run partnership, the highest run-rate in a 150-run stand in World Cup history.AFP
6/10:England's batting collapse
England's reply falters as they slip to 68/6 before a late rally from Mark Wood and Gus Atkinson.AFP
7/10:South Africa's all-round performance
Stand-in captain Aiden Markram praised South Africa's fantastic all-round performance and bounced back from defeat to the Netherlands.AFP
8/10:Hendricks and Rassie's partnership
South Africa's Reeza Hendricks and Rassie van der Dussen put on a 121-run partnership for the second wicket.AFP
9/10:South Africa's late flourish
South Africa scored 143 runs in the last 10 overs to record the highest total ever against England in a World Cup.AFP
10/10:England's disappointing performance
England captain Jos Buttler expressed disappointment as they fell short of their best cricket and were well beaten by South Africa.Reuters"But if you look at our World Cup history, we've played some excellent cricket. It's not surprising that we're performing well in this tournament. This group has been playing strong cricket for the past three years. We're maturing well, and now it's our time to make a statement to the world that South Africans thrive under pressure. We've done it before," Klaasen added.
Klaasen, who scored his third hundred of the year, highlighted the challenging conditions in Mumbai, describing the weather as exhausting.
His innings, which included 12 fours and four sixes, left him physically drained due to the sweltering heat and humidity in the city.
"It ranks as one of my better centuries, mainly because of the conditions. I had to dig deep mentally. Physically, I was struggling because the heat and humidity take a toll," Klaasen explained.
"It's like breathing hot air, and every time you run, it saps more energy. By the end of the day, your body doesn't cooperate. It's like running in a sauna for an entire innings, which we prepare for and are used to, but it's still taxing on the body," he added.
Klaasen also shared a conversation with his partner Marco Jansen, who played a pivotal role in their partnership of 151 runs for the sixth wicket, a record for South Africa.
"Marco has been working hard on his batting, especially on his hitting in the death overs. He told me that he has my back and that I'm not allowed to leave the field without scoring a hundred. I mentioned that I can't run, and he said, 'It's okay, just give me 100% every time you face the ball,'" Klaasen revealed.
He also praised Reeza Hendricks, who made a significant impact in the game by scoring 85 at the top order. Hendricks was a last-minute replacement for South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma, who fell ill.
"Reeza received a late call, about 10 minutes before the coin toss, that Temba was unavailable. His performance under pressure and the shots he played demonstrate the character of our South African cricket group," Klaasen concluded.
(With PTI inputs)
