ISLAMABAD/POTCHEFSTROOM: Heinrich Klaasen smashed an unbeaten 119 from 61 balls as South Africa eased to a four-wicket victory over West Indies in the third and final one-day international (ODI) at Senwes Park on Tuesday, ensuring the honours are shared in the series.
S Africa won the toss and elected to bowl, restricting the tourists to 260.
They got into trouble early in their reply as they slipped to 87-4, only to cruise to victory thanks to Klaasen’s power hitting with the astonishing 123 balls remaining in the innings.
“It’s a good wicket, and that is one of my better knocks,” Klaasen said at the post-match presentation. “We tried to play to the conditions, not the situation, and I had to fight fire with fire early on against some excellent bouncers from Alzarri (Joseph).
“But the conditions dictate how aggressive you can be and it’s great to get the team over the line.”
The home side was without in-form captain Temba Bavuma due to a hamstring wound, and they rested regulars Quinton de Kock, Kagiso Rabada, and Anrich Nortje.
West Indies beating
The West Indies innings were boosted by a run-a-ball 72 from opener Brandon King, but Jason Holder (36) and Nicholas Pooran (39) were the only two to post solid scores on an otherwise pretty good wicket for batting.
There were some untamed shots from the visitors as they seemed determined to hit every ball, and more patience and concentration might have seen them post the target over 300.
S Africa made a poor start to their own innings, losing four wickets inside 13 overs.
But then it was Klaasen’s time to shine. He put on 55 with David (17) and then added 103 for the sixth wicket together with all-rounder Marco, who scored a career-best 43 from 33 balls, before the latter became the third victim for the pick of the W Indies bowlers, Joseph (3-50).
Klaasen reached his second one-day international century in 54 balls and saw the innings through to the end as South Africa avenged their 48-run defeat in the second one-day international on Saturday. The first cricket game was washed out by rain without a ball bowled.
