South Africa’s Heinrich Klaasen bats during the ICC Champions Trophy cricket match between England and South Africa, in Karachi, Pakistan Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo)
Jofra Archer might well have been wondering what he could have done differently when a couple of good-length deliveries were caressed through the off-side by Heinrich Klaasen for boundaries. There was nothing wrong with the deliveries; it was fast bowling manual 1-0-1 where Archer hit the top of the off-stump, but they were just not enough to contain Klaasen.
South Africa will be facing New Zealand in the second semifinal of the Champions Trophy. The Kiwi attack, along with some skilful new-ball bowlers, also possess some canny accurate finger spinners who have troubled the batting line-ups in this tournament thus far. For South Africa to have an edge in the middle overs, Klaasen’s ability to hit good balls for boundaries will be the key.
”He’s a strong man but also backs it up with pure technique so he’s developed his game. He now has maybe some more options than other players but it comes through hard work. And also in recognising what his strengths are and how best to use them at the right time,” Sunrisers Hyderabad assistant coach Simon Helmot tells The Indian Express.
The big shots aren’t down to blind swinging but down to technique, says Helmot. “It comes from good strength, a good core and then uncoiling. The big muscles to the smaller muscles, that’s what good power hitters do. He has a very simple swing; it’s very balanced and one where he has complete control. When some batters try to swing and hit big, they can lose their shape and their balance. Where Klaasen actually keeps his shape, keeps his balance, produces a full face with the bat and that’s where he’s able to hit both strongly over the offside and the on- side,” Helmot says.
Not only is Klaasen a prolific boundary-hitter but is also very consistent in closing out the games and not just mere cameos, which might be needed in Lahore on Wednesday, as it has been the best batting strip in the tournament.
“Whether it’s setting a target or chasing, he stays in the moment; that’s where he’s continued to grow and develop as a batter. To stay mindful in the moment and play each ball on its merits and not overplay the situation. I think that’s where he’s been excellent for the Sunrises, no doubt he’s been excellent for his country and that’s why he can be so impactful, especially in the middle and back end of innings,” says Helmot.
“I think he tries to take matches as deeply as possible and obviously the match situation may dictate what that looks like, run rate and pressure may dictate how early or how late he may need to press the accelerator, he remains completely focused on whatever the task may be but such a good team man, it’s not just him, he takes a lot of emphasis on working with his teammates and making good partnerships to ensure that his teams can produce match winning totals,” Helmot would add.
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What are the odds of a team at 120/3 after 25.1 overs and ending up with 416/5 after 50 overs? Unlikely to impossible might be the answer; however, Klaasen pulled it off sensationally against Australia with his 84-ball 174 in September 2023. And it’s not been an one-off.
Helmot nails the requisite character that helps Klaasen pull off these heists. “It needs tremendous skill and strength from within. It’s a combination of both, isn’t it? It can’t come off all the time, but often it has with Klaas. I think that’s just because he has some great self-belief and confidence. That’s come through sheer hard work and many ups and downs over his journey. Now, he finds himself in a place where he’s able to succeed both individually and, most importantly, for his team.”
