SA20 2023: Heinrich Klaasen Scores 2nd Hundred of League, Keeps Durban’s Super Giants in Semis Hunt, WATCH

Heinrich Klaasen peppered the grass banks with 10 boundaries and half–a-dozen sixes. Klaasen’s pyrotechnics saw the Super Giants post a mammoth 254/4 vs Pretoria Capitals in a SA20 match.

Source: Twitter

South Africa batter Heinrich Klaasen scored the second hundred of the inaugural SA20 season after Faf du Plessis to keep his side Durban’s Super Giants (DSG) in hunt for a berth in the semifinal. DSG posted a massive 151-run over the Pretoria Capitals thanks to Klaasen’s 43-ball ton took them to 19 points on level with Paarl Royals.

Klaasen royally entertained the Centurion crowd with a sparkling 104 not out off just 44 balls. The Proteas middle-order batter peppered the grass banks with 10 boundaries and half–a-dozen sixes.  Klaasen’s pyrotechnics saw the Super Giants post a mammoth 254/4 - the highest score of the maiden Betway SA20 tournament - surpassing the Capitals and Super Giants’ previous 216. 

The Super Giants arrived at Centurion with major intent as they shuffled their batting line-up around. Captain Quinton de Kock and Australian international Ben McDermott provided the early impetus with a rolling opening partnership that yielded 76 runs in just 6.1 overs. De Kock was the first to depart for 43 off 20 balls. McDermott maintained the momentum with Klaasen, who was promoted to No 3 as the pair added a further 40 off just 20 balls. 

WATCH Heinrich Klaasen’s century vs Pretoria Capitals in SA20 here…

It took Heinrich Klaasen just 43 balls. Sit back and enjoy his amazing innings _#Betway #SA20 #PCvDSG @Betway_India pic.twitter.com/jtmDkSsahZ — Betway SA20 (@SA20_League) February 5, 2023

It was from there on that Klaasen went into overdrive mode though. David Willey did not last long, but Klaasen and Wiaan Mulder added a further 54 off only 24 balls. However, the real entertainment was only just beginning with Matthew Breetzke joining Klaasen at the crease for the final six overs. 

With the Capitals not having captain Wayne Parnell’s services available on Sunday due to the skipper having suffered a groin strain the previous night against MI Cape Town, Klaasen and Breetzke took full advantage. The pair added 84 off the final 36 deliveries with Breetzke (46 not out off 21 balls) also showing off his class with a couple of thunderous sixes on bended knee that sailed over the covers. 

Unfortunately for the Centurion crowd that once again came out in their masses to support the SA20 table-toppers, the Capitals batting unit failed to get out the blocks in the run chase as they folded for just 103. Junior Dala was the pick of the Super Giants’ bowlers with figures of 3/33, while Dwaine Pretorius (2/20) and Mulder (2/17) claimed two wickets apiece. 

DSG moved to 19 points on the SA20 Points Table but were unable to surpass Sunrisers Eastern Cape on net-run with Aiden Markram’s team now also joining the Capitals and Joburg Super Kings in the semi-finals. 

A thrilling weekend of cricket, the #Betway #SA20 has produced some incredible drama. And with just one semi-final spot remaining, the action is heating up. Here are the current standings.@betway_india pic.twitter.com/Dk06mwdCnQ — Betway SA20 (@SA20_League) February 5, 2023

Lance Klusener’s Super Giants will await the result of the Capitals and Paarl Royals, who also have 19 points, on Tuesday at Centurion for their fate to be decided. 

Brief Scores: Durban’s Super Giants 254/4 (Heinrich Klaasen 104 n.o., Matthew Breetzke 46 n.o., Quinton de Kock 43, Ben McDermott 41) bt Pretoria Capitals 103 in 13.5 ovs (Eathan Bosch 23; Junior Dala 3/33, Wiaan Mulder 2/17, Dwaine Pretorius 2/20)