In the first T20 international match of a four-match series between India and South Africa on Friday, South African wicketkeeper-batter Heinrich Klaasen achieved a significant milestone. He became the fourth player in T20 history to hit 100 sixes in a calendar year.
India secured a convincing 61-run victory against South Africa in the opening T20I at Kingsmead, Durban. Sanju Samson‘s explosive batting and Varun Chakaravarthy’s impressive spin bowling were instrumental in India’s triumph.
During his innings, Klaasen scored 25 runs off 22 balls, including two fours and one six. This six marked his 100th six in T20 cricket in 2023.
Three West Indies players have also achieved this feat: Chris Gayle, Nicholas Pooran, and Andre Russell. Gayle holds the record for achieving this milestone six times (2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, and 2017). Pooran accomplished it in 2024, and Russell achieved it in 2019.
South Africa, led by Aiden Markram, won the toss and opted to field first.
Sanju Samson’s explosive knock of 107 runs off 50 balls set the tone for India’s innings. His remarkable strike rate of 214 propelled India to a strong start.
Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav contributed 21 runs off 17 balls, including two fours and one six. Batter Tilak Varma added 33 runs off 18 balls, hitting three fours and two sixes. India finished their innings with a competitive total of 202 runs for the loss of eight wickets.
Gerald Coetzee was the pick of the South African bowlers, taking three wickets for 37 runs in his four-over spell.
South Africa struggled to chase down India’s target, with no batter managing to score more than 30 runs. The Indian bowling attack, led by Varun Chakaravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi, dominated the innings.
Heinrich Klaasen top-scored for South Africa with 25 runs off 22 balls, including two fours and one six. Gerald Coetzee also made a notable contribution with the bat, scoring 23 runs off 11 balls, including three sixes.
Varun Chakaravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi were the standout bowlers for India, each claiming three wickets. Their combined efforts restricted South Africa to 141 runs, resulting in a comfortable victory for India.
Sanju Samson was named Player of the Match for his exceptional batting performance.
The second T20I match between India and South Africa is scheduled for Sunday in Gqeberha.
