Heinrich Klaasen, the wicketkeeper batter with the Seattle Orcas, became the first cricketer in Major League Cricket (MLC) to reach 100 runs. The Proteas star helped his team defeat MI New York at Church Street Park by scoring an undefeated 110 runs off only 44 deliveries.
The Seattle Orcas were aiming for a victory in their last league-stage game to ensure a top-two finish despite having already qualified for the playoffs. Following Snehan Jayasuriya’s expulsion, Klaasen entered the batter’s box during the massive run chase. Before taking on the situation alone, the South African built a reliable partnership over the third wicket along with Nauman Anwar.
Henrich Klassen’s rise in the year 2023
Only one batter after Heinrich Klassen in the batting order was able to youch double figures, which shows how dominant he was. His assault on Rashid Khan in the 16th over, which yielded 26 runs, was arguably a pivotal point in the game.
While the franchise endured a few nervy moments towards the end courtesy of Trent Boult, Klaasen ensured that they were over the line and wrapped up the league stage as leaders with eight points. Fans showered praise on the wicketkeeper-batter who has constantly been among runs and milestones, especially in the shortest format, in 2023.
With the SunRisers Hyderabad in the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL), Heinrich Klaasen also enjoyed an incredible season. He had a strike rate of 177.08 and 448 runs in 11 innings, including 100 runs when he faced Royal Challengers Bangalore. As SRH came on to be placed last in the standings, the South African remained by far the best player for the team.
During the post-game presentation, Klassen said that the wickets near the conclusion of the run chase caused him anxiety. The keeper said that, “I knew it was going to be difficult. struggled at the start with my swing but decided to pull the trigger and it worked. Trent getting those wickets got me nervous but we got over the line.”
Fans react to Henrich Klassen’s magnificent century during the final MLC league game:
Henrich Klassen dream run in 2023 continues ?? pic.twitter.com/Tv0lkUUXQn
— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) July 26, 2023
Haa , World no.1 ranked spinner in T20
Klassen : Not a problem ?
— Nithin Kumar (@nithinkumar_18) July 26, 2023
Bro is he connecting thos e shots need to watch in slow motion think so it's not hitting middle but bottom think so pure raw strength against a spinner
— Chaithanya JSPk (@SriFanOfPk1) July 26, 2023
Superclass Klaasen he bringing up his maiden century for All format tournaments ??? .
— Rajkumar koothapillai?? (@RajkumarCPE1506) July 26, 2023
SRH Players (Jansen, Klassen, Abhishek) to Rashid Khan : pic.twitter.com/TfAGiqJ9z1
— Harsha (@HarshaTarak8) July 26, 2023
Add Tristan Stubbs from Eastern Cape.
— Abhishek Reddy (@1_m_Abhishek) July 26, 2023
KLAASsic frame! pic.twitter.com/gOuCga8Zcz
— Rampy (@RiserTweex) July 26, 2023
Spinners beware ! The 'spinners' nightmare has arrived – Heinrich Klassen ?? Century Alert! #ClassyBatsman
Yet another sunrisers franchise player who orchestrated a symphony of strokes against Rashid khan after abhi and Jansen pic.twitter.com/XdB8fM8c2h
— Nithin Kumar (@nithinkumar_18) July 26, 2023
Revenge taken ?
— Mr. Perfect ™ (@Smuggler2_0) July 26, 2023
