SA vs AUS, 4th ODI: Heinrich Klaasen guides South Africa to one-sided win over Australia | Cricket News

NEW DELHI: Heinrich Klaasen unleashed a spectacular display of power hitting, smashing the ball to all corners of the field on his way to a remarkable knock of 174. His performance propelled South Africa to a resounding 164-run victory over Australia, leveling the five-match one-day series at 2-2 in a thrilling encounter on Friday.
Klaasen’s incredible innings featured an astonishing 13 sixes, helping South Africa reach a commanding total of 416-5, which stands as their second-highest against Australia. This impressive feat came after South Africa was asked to bat first and had a tepid start.
At the halfway point, South Africa had reached 120-3 on an unusually slow wicket. However, Klaasen’s arrival at the crease changed the game’s momentum entirely. He began his onslaught by slashing a back-of-length ball for four with his third delivery, setting the stage for his remarkable innings.

Klaasen’s 174 off 83 balls was the second-highest ODI score by a No.5 batsman or lower, falling just one run short of Kapil Dev’s record set against Zimbabwe at the 1983 World Cup in Tunbridge Wells.
Klaasen, supported by Rassie van der Dussen’s 62 off 65 balls, built a rapid 74-run partnership for the fourth wicket, allowing South Africa to accelerate their run rate. Later, Klaasen and David Miller took center stage, forging a sensational partnership of 222 runs off just 94 balls. This partnership was the fastest double century stand in ODIs and concluded with Klaasen being caught in the deep off the last ball of the innings. Miller remained unbeaten on 82 off 45 balls, while Josh Hazelwood emerged as the most successful bowler for Australia with figures of 2-79 off his 10 overs.

Australia’s hopes were dented early as David Warner departed cheaply, falling victim to Miller’s sharp catch off Lungi Ngidi’s delivery. Travis Head, who retired hurt after being struck on the hand by a rising Gerald Coetzee delivery in the ninth over, added to Australia’s woes. Marnus Labuschagne contributed 20 runs but was dismissed after gloving one down the leg side.

Alex Carey and Tim David offered some resistance with a resilient 72-run partnership for the fifth wicket. However, David’s dismissal effectively ended Australia’s chances, and Carey valiantly chased his century but was ultimately caught for 99 by a diving Quinton de Kock.
The series will be decided in the upcoming match at the Wanderers in Johannesburg on Sunday.