ICC World Cup 2023 | ENG vs SA: Heinrich Klaasen and Marco Jansen take South Africa to 399/7

Heinrich Klaasen (Pic: AFP)

The ICC World Cup 2023 ongoing match between England and South Africa is being played in Wankhede Stadium and has completed its first inning with the Proteas setting a target of 400 runs.

England was successful in getting the early wicket of the Proteas's opening batsman Quinton de Kock. Reece Topley bowled an excellent delivery to dismiss de Kock. As Temba Bavuma is out of the clash due to illness, Reeza Hendricks was added to the squad who opened the inning with Quinton.

Also Read: ICC World Cup 2023: Who will fill the void of Hardik Pandya?

Hendricks and Rassie van der Dussen together made a partnership of 121 runs which was further broken by Adil Rashid. Van der Dussen scored 60 runs before falling into the hands of Jonny Bairstow. Hendricks too was bowled by Rashid for 85 runs.

After the loss of three wickets, South Africa's stand-by captain Aiden Markram and Heinrich Klaasen tried to stabilise the batting for South Africa. But Reece Topley made a breakthrough by dismissing Markram for 42 runs. He registered three wickets under his name after getting the wicket of another South Africa batter David Miller.

The Wankhede Stadium attracted a big crowd on Saturday and the chants of Klaasen, Klaasen reverberated the iconic Wankhede. To make a positive impact on the environment while enhancing the fans' experience, Coca-Cola installed Reverse Vending Machines (RVM) across the stadium. These machines allow the audience to efficiently recycle cartons, cans, and bottles. There was a positive behavioural change among fans, who were seen disposing of the waste in the designated bins placed within the stands. The role of Saafai-Saathis is instrumental in keeping the cricket stadiums clean by collecting and helping recycle plastic waste.

Heinrich Klaasen bashed England's bowlers and completed his century with a four in 46th over's fourth ball. Marco Jansen accompanied him in his knock and smashed 75 runs in 42 deliveries. Klaasen smashed 109 in just 67 balls.

Star all-rounder Ben Stokes has returned to England's side in today's match, but didn't ball in the first inning.

England displayed their exceptional skill with the ball against the Proteas. The game is now in the hands of England's batters to register the win in today's match which will help them survive in the ICC World Cup 2023.

Score summary of the first inning:

South Africa:

Rassie van der Dussen 60 (61)

Reeza Hendricks 85 (75)

Heinrich Klaasen 109 (67)

Marco Jansen 75 (42)

England:

Adil Rashid: Overs bowled (10), runs (61), wickets (2)

Reece Topley: Overs bowled (8.5), runs (88), wickets (3)

Gus Atkinson: Over bowled (9), runs (60), wickets (2)