Shaheen Afridi produced a moment of brilliance to dismiss Heinrich Klaasen during the first ODI between South Africa and Pakistan at Boland Park, Paarl on Tuesday. The sensational delivery that uprooted the middle stump stunned Klaasen and gave Shahen a moment of value. Klaasen was batting fluently, hitting an all-important 86 off 97, but didn’t even respond to Shahe’s epic taunt as the packed crowd watched in awe.
Heinrich Klaasen’s dismissal: A dream delivery by Shaheen Afridi
On the fourth delivery 45thShaheen Shah Afridi delivered an absolute peach that rattled the stumps and sent Heinrich Klaasen back to the pavilion. It was a fuller delivery that just pitched on the off stump, but the late inward movement completely fooled Klaasen. Expecting a straighter line, Klaasen played the wrong line, leaving a huge gap between bat and pad. The ball sneaked through, crashed into the middle stump and created the iconic sight that fast bowlers dream of. Shahe’s celebration reflected his delight as he knew South Africa had pulled out the in-form dough at a critical juncture. For Klaasen, who hit seven fours and two sixes, one of which came just before he was dismissed, it was a disappointing but unplayable outing that brought his spirited innings to an end.
We present the video:
Shaheen Afridi to Klaasen, bowled out!! * Klaasen b Shaheen Afridi pic.twitter.com/Un46HeBCgX
— Seyyed Nadirshah Tirmizi (@nadirshahksa) December 17, 2024
— Blablabla (@Bhaukal_ba1) December 17, 2024
Salman Agha is destroying the supreme order of South Africa
South Africa got off to a positive start to their innings after winning the toss and electing to bat first. Openers Tony de Zorzi and Ryan Rickelton looked fluent, taking full advantage of his early power play. De Zorzi raced to 33 off 25 balls before being trapped LBW by Agha Salman. Rickelton also perished shortly after for 36 off 38 balls as South Africa lost two wickets in quick succession. From there, Pakistan tightened their grip with disciplined bowling Mr. Salman Rassie struck again to dismiss van der Dussen cheaply.
captain Aiden Markram and Heinrich Klaasen then steadied the innings with a valuable partnership. Markram played a measured innings of 35 runs and Klaasen paced the platform. Klaasen took the opportunity to show aggression and composure in handling the spinners. However, the wickets continued to roll from the other end as Agha Salman’s golden arm continued to trouble South Africa, ending with impressive figures of 4/32.
Disciplined bowling by Pakistan in Paarl ODI
Heinrich Klaasen stood tall for South Africa, taking charge after a top-order collapse. His aggressive batting with two powerful sixes ensured that South Africa maintained a steady run rate. Klaasen reached the age of half a century 68 balls and continued to anchor the innings despite losing his partners. However, Shaheen’s stunning delivery in the 45th minute turned the tide. The dismissal, which was uprooted by the middle, stunned South Africa 218/8reducing the chances of a competitive overall placement.
With styles Ottneil Baartman and Tabreez Shamsi Trying to push a total of 250, the Pakistani bowlers maintained a disciplined line and length. Spinners, especially Abrar Ahmedwas economical, while Shahe’s wicket brought new momentum to the visitors. South Africa eventually managed to post 239/9 in 50 overs, but on a batting surface, the target looks below par.
