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 (December 17). The sensational delivery, which uprooted the middle stump, left Klaasen stunned and gave Shaheen a moment to cherish. Klaasen had been batting fluently, scoring a crucial 86 off 97 balls, but even he had no answer to Shaheen’s epic riposte, as the packed crowd watched in awe.
The dismissal of Heinrich Klaasen: Dream delivery by Shaheen Afridi
On the fourth delivery of the 45th over, Shaheen delivered an absolute peach that rattled the stumps and sent Klaasen back to the pavilion. It was a fuller-length delivery, pitched just on the off-stump, but the late inward movement completely deceived Klaasen. Expecting a straighter line, Klaasen played down the wrong line, leaving a massive gap between bat and pad. The ball sneaked through, crashed into the middle stump, and created the iconic sight that fast bowlers dream of. Shaheen’s celebration reflected his delight, knowing he had removed South Africa’s in-form batter at a critical juncture. For Klaasen, who had struck seven fours and two sixes, one of which came just before the dismissal, it was a disappointing yet unplayable delivery that ended his spirited knock.
Here’s the video:
Shaheen Afridi to Klaasen, out Bowled!! *Klaasen b Shaheen Afridi pic.twitter.com/Un46HeBCgX
— سید نادرشاہ ترمذی (@nadirshahksa) December 17, 2024
— Blablabla (@Bhaukal_ba1) December 17, 2024
Salman Agha destroys South Africa’s top order
South Africa, after winning the toss and electing to bat first, started their innings positively. Openers Tony de Zorzi and Ryan Rickelton looked fluent, taking full advantage of the initial powerplay. De Zorzi raced to a quick 33 off 25 balls before being trapped LBW by Agha Salman. Rickelton, too, 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, with Agha Salman striking again to dismiss Rassie van der Dussen cheaply.
Captain Aiden Markram and Heinrich Klaasen then steadied the innings, stitching a valuable partnership. Markram played a measured innings of 35 runs, providing Klaasen the platform to accelerate. Klaasen capitalized on the opportunity, showing aggression and composure while handling the spinners. However, wickets kept tumbling at the other end as Agha Salman’s golden arm continued to trouble South Africa, eventually finishing with impressive figures of 4/32.
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Pakistan’s discipline bowling in Paarl ODI
Klaasen stood tall for South Africa, carrying the responsibility after the top-order collapse. His aggressive stroke play, which included two powerful sixes, ensured South Africa maintained a steady run rate. Klaasen reached his half-century in 68 balls and continued to anchor the innings despite losing partners. However, Shaheen’s stunning delivery in the 45th over turned the tide. The middle-stump uprooting dismissal left South Africa reeling at 218/8, diminishing their chances of posting a competitive total.
With tailenders Ottneil Baartman and Tabraiz Shamsi trying to push the total past 250, Pakistan’s bowlers have maintained a disciplined line and length. The spinners, especially Abrar Ahmed, have been economical, while Shaheen’s wicket brought renewed momentum for the visitors. South Africa eventually managed to post 239/9 in 50 overs, but the target seems below par on a batting-friendly surface.
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