South Africa’s Heinrich Klaasen expressed surprise at the reverse swing witnessed during the first ODI against Pakistan in Paarl, describing it as unprecedented at Boland Park. Klaasen, who had been batting fluently with 86 off 97 balls, was bowled by Shaheen Afridi in the 45th over by a delivery that swung dramatically late.
Klaasen, visibly animated after his dismissal, remarked post-match that in over a decade of playing at Boland Park, he had never seen the ball reverse so early in an innings, especially under the conditions present. He refrained from speculating further but noted the impact of the reverse swing on the match.
Pakistan’s bowlers excelled in the death overs, allowing just 40 runs and claiming four wickets. Klaasen’s dismissal left South Africa’s tail exposed, contributing to their modest total of 239/9. Pakistan chased down the target in a thrilling finish, driven by Saim Ayub’s century and Salman Ali Agha’s unbeaten 82.
Klaasen admitted that losing four wickets for 18 runs early on hindered the team’s ability to post a competitive score. He emphasised the need for players to take individual responsibility and maintain form to build momentum, particularly with limited ODIs before the ICC Champions Trophy.
With the Proteas aiming to level the series in the second ODI at Newlands, injuries to key players like Keshav Maharaj and David Miller remain concerns. The team is focused on overcoming challenges to regain their footing in the longer white-ball format.
Squads For Newlands
Proteas: Temba Bavuma (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen.
Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim, Tayyab Tahir, Usman Khan.