T20 World Cup 2024: Heinrich Klaasen Reveals Mindset And Batting Approach Against Bangladesh In New York

South Africa's decision to bat first in New York on Monday, at a ground where they have won two matches chasing in the T20 World Cup 2024, was a tribute to Bangladesh's bowling. South Africa was in trouble at 23 for 4 but managed to rebuild as a team would in the middle overs of an ODI. They entered the T20I aiming for a run-a-ball, not minding staying below six per over as long as they were just a boundary away. The Proteas narrowly emerged victorious by four runs. South Africa's top scorer with 46 runs off 44 balls and Player of the Match, Heinrich Klaasen, entered the game when his team was struggling at 23/4 and delivered a crucial innings. Together with David Miller, the Player of the Match against the Netherlands, Klaasen rebuilt the South African innings to give his team more than a fighting total. Speaking at the post-match press conference, Heinrich Klaasen revealed their mindset and batting approach against Bangladesh in tough New York conditions.

T20 World Cup 2024: Heinrich Klaasen reveals mindset and batting approach against Bangladesh in New York

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Heinrich Klaasen shared the unique strategy he and Miller employed during their innings. Referring to Miller's performance against the Netherlands (59* off 51), Klaasen described it as a blueprint they adhered to. He compared their approach to the methodical batting typically seen in the middle overs of an ODI. He observed that their approach was different from the typical T20I mindset. They chose to play conservatively, aiming for a run-a-ball rate while considering that hitting a few boundaries could significantly increase their strike rate.

"I think David [Miller] showed us in the previous game [against Netherlands] how to bat on this wicket and it's almost a similar way that we bat in the middle overs in a one-day game. So, our mindset is not even close to T20 cricket. You just want to get in and find a way to bat at a run-a-ball. And we know you're one or two hits away just for going over the run-a-ball strike rate," Heinrich Klaasen said.

Typically, South Africa follows established strategies, whether it's playing combinations, batting and bowling orders, or decisions after winning the toss (especially at a venue where previous matches were successful). Despite choosing to chase in their first two matches of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 campaign, South Africa decided to bat first this time. 

"These guys are incredible when the wicket becomes slow. So, that was the biggest reason why we didn't want to chase 120. Given Bangladesh, when pressure is on, and they have to go into cutters, they've got some of the world's best cutter bowlers and their spinners are high quality. So, that was the biggest reason why we chose to bat first," Klaasen added.

Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller had been successful in both of their previous chase attempts. Klaasen explained this decision by praising the remarkable effectiveness of the Bangladeshi bowlers, who have shown exceptional proficiency on slow wickets. He praised their skilful use of slower-ball variations and cutters, recognizing them as among the best at executing those techniques.