The inaugural ICC Champions Trophy winners South Africa have started their journey in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on Friday (February 21) with their Group B fixture against Afghanistan at the National Stadium in Karachi. While the Proteas have already missed a few of their regular players before the tournament, their in-form explosive batter missed out on their tournament opener due to an injury. 

See Also: Axar Patel asks for payback from captain Rohit Sharma

In-form Heinrich Klaasen misses South Africa's CT 2025 opener

The 33-year-old explosive middle-order batter Heinrich Klaasen has missed out on South Africa's tournament opener against Afghanistan. He has been ruled out from the game as a precautionary measure due to a left elbow soft tissue injury. Since last December, South Africa have played four ODIs, and Klaasen scored 86, 97, 81, and 87 runs, respectively. Since 2024, Klaasen has been the leading ODI run-scorer for South Africa. 

South Africa will face Australia and England in the remaining two matches of the group stage. While Rawalpindi will host their next fixture against Australia on February 25, England will be their last group stage opponent on March 1 at Karachi. It will be interesting to see whether Klaasen becomes fit sooner or the Proteas face another blow. 

Tristan Stubbs isn't in the playing XI

Meanwhile, Tristan Stubbs is unlikely South Africa's first-choice player for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, as he wasn't selected in the playing XI for the Afghanistan match. The 24-year-old has played eight ODIs, where he has recorded one century and one half-century with a batting average of 41.50 and a strike rate of 89.89.  

While South Africa are struggling in the recent ODI matches, it is an important tournament for them. The wound of the shocking ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 Final defeat against India is still very fresh for them, and this Champions Trophy is a serious journey beginning for them in the ODI format looking ahead to the next ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, which South Africa will host along with Zimbabwe and Namibia in late 2027. 

One of the most thrilling cricket tournaments of the year is the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. It is a tournament that consists of the eight best ODI teams for the coveted trophy. The matches are being hosted in Pakistan, with top-notch stadiums hosting thrilling matches

• Match: Afghanistan vs. South Africa (Group B Match)
• Date: February 21, 2025
• Time: 2:30 PM Local Time (IST)
• Venue: National Stadium, Karachi

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ALSO READ:AFG vs SA Today Match Prediction – Who Will Win? | Match 03, ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Preview & Analysis

SQUADS

South Africa: Ryan Rickelton(w), Tony de Zorzi, Temba Bavuma(c), Aiden Markram, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Corbin Bosch, Rassie van der Dussen

Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz(w), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi(c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Noor Ahmad, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Ikram Alikhil, Naveed Zadran, Nangeyalia Kharote

The most exciting New Zealand vs South Africa is the 2nd match of the tri-series tour of Pakistan in 2025. The match has a separate fan base and it is most trilling with the good squads

Match Details

• Teams: New Zealand vs South Africa
• Tournament: NZ & SA tour of Pakistan 2025
• Date: February 10, 2025
• Time: 10:00 AM IST
• Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

TOSS: New Zealand own the opt to bowl

Live Streaming and Telecast :

In India: The match will be live telecast on Sony Sports Network. Online streaming will be available on the SonyLIV app or website.

Online:Fan code

In Pakistan: Viewers can watch the live telecast on PTV Sports.

In New Zealand: Sky Sport NZ will broadcast the match live.

In Bangladesh:TV Channel Gazi TV (GTV), T Sports and Online Streaming: Rabbithole app, T Sports app

In the United States: Willow TV will provide live coverage.

ALSO READ:NZ vs SA 2nd Match, Match Prediction- Who Will Win Today?

Highlights to Batch:

Both the teams played remarkable batting; explosive power hitting, smart stroke play kept the fans on tenterhooks throughout.

Brilliant bowling spells mounted pressure leading to crucial breakthroughs.

A thrilling finish at the end gave this match an experience that most games in the series could hardly surpass.

Magnificent fielding; brilliant catches, quick runouts showed that how agile both teams were in fielding.

Heinrich Klaasen and Kane Williamson: The Power of Affectionate Nicknames

Heinrich Klaasen and Kane Williamson are two of the finest and most lovable cricketers in the cricketing world, with such affectionate nicknames bringing about great charm and association between themselves and their admirers.

The South African wicket-keeper batsman Klaasen is fondly known as "Klaasie." This nickname is a slight diminutive form of his surname; however, it has become synonymous with this particular reason for his amiable and affable nature. The fans and his fellow teammates are reverent of this name since it depicts the warmth that Klaasen showers upon the game.

"Heinrich Klaasen - what's your favorite nickname?

Kane Williamson - they call me 'Kane Mama' in India. I certainly like that".

ALSO READ:Indian Cricket Stars Close to Break Historic Milestones in the IND vs ENG 2025 Series

Another one from the other side is Kane Williamson, a great New Zealand captain with a nickname that truly reflects the level of respect he gets in India— "Kane Mama." "Mama" is actually the term to address a person in India with love and respect. Williamson's rapport with the fans in India particularly when he was with the Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL has led him to this 'Mama.'. It portrays the love that he has gathered through the years from his Indian followers. As a matter of fact, even Williamson admitted his liking for the name and credited that he shared an extraordinary bonding with his Indian followers.

Heinrich Klaasen - what's your favourite nickname?

Kane Williamson - they call me 'Kane Mama' in India. I certainly like that. pic.twitter.com/8nbullCJ4e

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 6, 2025

These two cricket players remind us how sporting events can sometimes bridge borders and create, through nicknames, warmth and respect as well as affection between athletes and their fans. It is not just the performance they deliver at the game, but personal connections that make them special to their fans.

Heinrich Klaasen has emerged as one of the most explosive batters in T20 cricket, known for his ruthless power-hitting and the ability to dismantle any bowling attack in the shortest format. A consistent performer with a devastating strike rate of 168.3, Klaasen has amassed 993 runs across 32 IPL matches, boasting an average of 38.2. His uncanny knack for hitting boundaries, coupled with an impressive 104 fours and 56 sixes, makes him a bowler's nightmare, especially in the pressure-laden death overs. These late overs see Klaasen at his best, where his strike rate skyrockets to an astonishing 192.8, piling up 403 runs off just 209 deliveries and further establishing his reputation as a game-changing finisher.

Klaasen’s IPL journey began with the Royal Challengers Bangalore, then he moved to the Rajasthan Royals, before finally finding his groove with the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). At SRH, he has not only flourished but also delivered his most impactful performances, staking his claim as one of the top T20 finishers in the league. His lethal ability to finish games has filled a critical gap for SRH, where his aggressive yet calculated approach at the crease has made him invaluable. With his current form and match-winning prowess, Klaasen stands as a premier T20 finisher, redefining late-innings power play in the IPL.

See Also: Tony de Zorzi Powers South Africa's Steady March Toward the WTC Finals

Is Retaining Heinrich Klaasen for ₹23 Crore Justified?

Heinrich Klaasen has emerged as one of the most explosive batters in T20 cricket, renowned for his ruthless power-hitting and ability to dismantle any bowling attack in the shortest format. With a devastating strike rate of 168.3, he has accumulated 993 runs across 32 IPL matches, averaging an impressive 38.2. Klaasen's uncanny knack for finding boundaries is evident in his impressive tally of 104 fours and 56 sixes, making him a bowler's nightmare, especially in pressure-laden death overs. These late innings have become his playground, where his strike rate skyrockets to a staggering 192.8, underscoring his reputation as a game-changing finisher.

Klaasen’s IPL journey began with the Royal Challengers Bangalore before he moved to the Rajasthan Royals and ultimately found his stride with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). At SRH, he has not only flourished but also delivered his most impactful performances, staking his claim as one of the top T20 finishers in the league. His lethal ability to finish games has filled a critical gap for SRH, where his aggressive yet calculated approach at the crease has made him invaluable. Klaasen's current form and match-winning prowess position him as a premier T20 finisher, redefining late-innings power play in the IPL.

The pressure situations of death overs are where Klaasen truly shines. Facing 209 balls in these high-stakes moments, he has scored 403 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 192.8. His ability to consistently find the boundary is highlighted by his tally of 54 boundaries and 25 sixes, demonstrating his power and precision when it matters most. With a death-over average of 28.8, Klaasen has established himself as a batter who can be relied upon to deliver in crunch situations. Compared to his peers, his exceptional boundary conversion rate sets him apart, marking him as a crucial player in tight matches.

A deeper analysis of Klaasen’s performance reveals a strong correlation between his Boundary Run Percentage (BR%) and Strike Rate (SR), where he boasts a BR% of 69.55 and a phenomenal strike rate of 201.12. This correlation indicates that his ability to clear the ropes consistently contributes significantly to his overall scoring. While other high-strike-rate batters, such as Dinesh Karthik and Shivam Dube, also show positive correlations between BR% and SR, Klaasen’s unmatched numbers highlight his unique capacity to maximize boundary efficiency and maintain momentum, especially towards the end of the innings.

In conclusion, Klaasen’s rise as a premier T20 finisher is a direct result of his boundary-hitting efficiency and high strike rate, particularly in death-over situations. His impressive statistics reflect his significant impact on the game, particularly in tight match scenarios. Given his exceptional performance and crucial role in these situations, the question arises: is Heinrich Klaasen worth ₹23 crore? The answer is a resounding yes. His ability to perform under pressure, combined with his match-winning capabilities, justifies such an investment. In modern T20 cricket, effective finishers like Klaasen are invaluable assets, making him a worthy candidate for retention at this price.

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While the official deadline for the IPL retention is October 31, the possible retention of SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) has been revealed.

According to ESPNcricinfo, South African power hitter Heinrich Klaasen will be the top retention for the SRH. The next two possible names are Australian star Pat Cummins and Indian all-rounder Abhishek Sharma. 

Each team can retain a maximum of six players, including a maximum of five capped players (Indian or foreigner) and a maximum of two uncapped players.

SEE ALSO: Paras Mhambrey returns to Mumbai Indians as bowling coach

The reported earnings

According to the retention rules, if SRH retain Klassen as the first player, the South African will earn INR 23 crore. While Pat Cummins joined last season with an auction price of INR 20.50 crore, he will now get INR 18 crore if he is retained as the second player. 

While Abhishek Sharma can be the third retained player, his value will be INR 14 crore. 

The ESPNcricinfo report further added that Australian star Travis Head and Indian cricketer  Nitish Kumar Reddy could also be retained. 

Under the leadership of Pat Cummins, SunRisers Hyderabad became one of the most exciting and dangerous teams at the IPL 2024. The IPL 2016 champions finished as the runners-up in the last IPL season as they lost the IPL 2024 final against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). 

How did the star SRH players perform in the IPL 2024?

In the IPL 2024, Head was the leading run-scorer for SRH and the fourth leading run-scorer overall. The left-handed batter scored 567 runs in 15 innings with a strike rate of 191.55, as he recorded one century and four half-centuries.

Klaasen scored 479 runs in 15 innings during the IPL 2024 with a strike rate of 171.07. He hit four half-centuries. 

Apart from scoring 484 runs in 16 innings (strike rate 204.21) with three half-centuries, Abhishek Sharma picked up two wickets during the IPL 2024. On the other hand, Nitish Kumar Reddy scored 303 runs in the last IPL season (strike rate 142.92), including two half-centuries, and also claimed three wickets.   

SRH skipper Pat Cummins was the second leading wicket-taker for his team in the IPL 2024, with 18 wickets in 16 matches. 

In the T20 World Cup 2024 final, certain moments will etch themselves into their memories the roar of the crowd, the tension in the air, and the heroics that unfolded on the lush green field. Among those heroics, Virat Kohli’s masterful 76, Jasprit Bumrah’s exceptional bowling, and Hardik Pandya’s nerve-wracking final over will undoubtedly take center stage. But there’s one player whose contribution often remains a footnote, overshadowed by the spotlight on the star Axar Patel.

Axar’s crucial knock in final

The match began with India losing three wickets for a mere 34 runs during the PowerPlay. The situation was dire, and India needed a circuit-breaker. Enter Axar Patel, the unassuming all-rounder who would soon play a pivotal role in shaping the destiny of the T20 World Cup.

Promoted up the order, Axar walked in with a steely resolve. His 47 off 31 balls was a blend of aggression and calculated risk-taking. While Kohli meticulously accumulated runs through singles and doubles, Axar provided the necessary fireworks. His innings complemented Kohli’s beautifully crafted 76, ensuring India reached a competitive total of 176.

The near-villain moment

Cricket is a game of twists and turns. Axar’s heroics were followed by a moment of heartbreak. In the same match, he bowled the 15th over, an over that would haunt him. Facing the onslaught of South African batsmen Heinrich Klaasen, Axar conceded 24 runs. His non-dominant right hand, which had earlier wielded the bat with precision, now struggled to find its line and length. The villainous over threatened to undo all his hard work.

Axar’s performance ensured favorable entry points for India’s big hitters. Shivam Dube, who had struggled earlier, scored a crucial 27 off 16 balls. Axar’s knock had laid the foundation, and now it was up to others to build upon it.

India eventually clinched victory by seven runs, ending their 13-year wait for a world title. Axar’s near-villain moment was overshadowed by the euphoria of the win, but it remains a testament to the rollercoaster of emotions that cricket can evoke.

In the end, Axar Patel’s journey from batting India out of trouble to conceding 24 runs in that fateful over captured the essence of T20 cricket. Cricket fans will forever remember his near-villain moment, a chapter in the grand saga of India’s T20 World Cup triumph.

The Men in Blue will now face South Africa in their final game on Saturday at the Bridgetown in Barbados. Earlier on Thursday, the Proteas beat Afghanistan in the first semi-final. India has qualified for the T20 World Cup 2024 final after defeating England by 69 runs in their second semi-final in Guyana on Thursday.
South Africa beat Afghanistan in the first semi-finals of the 2024 T20 World Cup. The Proteas advanced for their first World Cup final.

There will be several intriguing player battles ahead of the India-South Africa T20 World Cup final. Player clashes add a new level of excitement to the contest’s winner selection process. Let’s look at a few of them:

Rohit Sharma vs Kagiso Rabada

The Indian skipper has been in excellent form and is coming off two consecutive half-centuries. So far, no batter has hit three consecutive 50s in this tournament. The way Rohit is batting right now, it appears very possible, and he is a player who can remove the pitch from the equation.

That’s why it’s critical to stop him. Kagiso Rabada has also caused him problems on several occasions. Rabada has bowled Rohit 13 times in international cricket, including twice in the IPL. That means he eliminated the Indian captain 15 times in their 32 meetings.

Also Read: From weather to reserve day: All you need to know about T20 World Cup 2024 Final between South Africa and India

Virat Kohli vs Marco Jansen

Virat Kohli, the former Indian captain, is performing badly in this tournament. However, given his stature, he is capable of winning any position. That is why South Africa will not write him off. If South Africa can get him out early, it will put pressure on the remaining Indian batters, especially Rohit.

That is where we believe Marco Jansen can be useful. The pacer with the left arm is going to get the ball into him and are good bouncer, whereas Virat may struggle. Jansen dismissed Virat five times in international cricket and once in the Indian Premier League.

Heinrich Klaasen vs Kuldeep Yadav

South Africa will be contemplating their strategy against the Indian spinner, as this will be crucial in the SA vs IND final. Heinrich Klaasen will be the lineup’s biggest batter. He can face Indian spinner and score runs on shifting tracks as well.

Kuldeep Yadav, however, will be his most difficult challenge. This wrist spinner is difficult to read, which makes him a danger to any batter. Klaasen and Kuldeep have met ten times in international cricket, with Kuldeep dismissing him three times. In white-ball cricket, Klaasen has scored 84 runs off 64 balls against him.

Suryakumar Yadav vs Anrich Nortje

Not only will India rely on Rohit and Virat, but also on Suryakumar Yadav’s batting. He has been in excellent form throughout the tournament, and it is now time for him to deliver one final strong innings that will propel India to victory. He has a good record against South Africa.

He’ll be looking to play some unconventional shots. However, it can be difficult to beat Anrich Nortje, who can bowl at speeds ranging from 120 to 150 KMPH without changing his action. Nortje has twice dismissed Suryakumar in four IPL innings.

Quinton de Kock vs Jasprit Bumrah

Quinton de Kock is the leading scorer for South Africa in the current ICC T20 World Cup 2024. He scored runs against strong opposition and will be crucial for his team. If he gets going, he will not let the Indian bowlers rest. That is where it will be critical to get him out.

However, his first challenge will be versus Jasprit Bumrah. The ace pacer has given India a good start. His first spell will be critical. He has enjoyed bowling with De Kock. Bumrah has sacked De Kock six times, including once in the IPL.

The T20 World Cup 2024 is all set to kick-start on June 2nd, promising to be an electrifying tournament with 20 teams vying for the ultimate glory. This edition marks a historic milestone, featuring the largest number of participating teams and being hosted across two diverse locations: the USA and the West Indies.

Among these teams, South Africa stands out as a top contender, yet they have a reputation to shake off—the notorious “chokers” tag, a label they’ve struggled to shed over the years.

South Africa’s Group D Matches

Key fixtures in this group include South Africa’s matches against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, which are expected to be highly competitive and crucial for advancing to the next stage. South Africa will kick off their campaign against Sri Lanka on June 3rd in New York.

See Also: T20 World Cup 2024: 3 key players to watch out for from Namibia 

3 South Africa players to watch out for in T20 World Cup 2024

South Africa’s success will heavily rely on the performances of a few key players who have proven themselves time and again in international cricket.

1. Aiden Markram

Aiden Markram, the captain, is a linchpin in the South African lineup. Known for his adaptability and composure, Markram’s role as a middle-order batsman is critical. Markram made his T20I debut against Sri Lanka in 2019 and has since accumulated 1118 runs in 39 matches. His ability to read the game and perform under pressure makes him indispensable.

Markram’s leadership will be tested as he navigates the team through the tournament. His strategic mind and experience in various conditions make him a vital player.

2. Heinrich Klaasen

Heinrich Klaasen is known for his explosive batting and finishing abilities. As one of the most reliable middle-order batters, his role is crucial for South Africa’s chances. Klaasen’s record speaks for itself, with several match-winning performances. His ability to handle pressure and deliver in crucial moments makes him a key player.

Klaasen’s power-hitting, particularly against spin, is invaluable. His performance in the IPL 2024 showcased his form and readiness for the World Cup.

3. Tristian Stubbs

Rising star Tristian Stubbs had a stellar IPL 2024 season, showcasing his wide range of strokes and finishing abilities. Stubbs scored 378 runs in IPL 2024 with a strike rate of 190.90. His aggressive style and ability to play under pressure make him a significant asset.

Stubbs’ performance in the middle order will be crucial, especially in the death overs. His partnership with experienced players like Klaasen can change the course of the game.

The story remains the same for South Africa as another World Cup approaches. They have a talented group of players, full of potential. However, despite their abilities, it’s hard to truly fear a team with a history of falling apart when it matters most. Take the previous T20 World Cup in 2022, for example. South Africa needed just one more win to reach the semi-finals but ended up losing to the Netherlands in a major upset, a collapse that was disappointing even by their own standards.

This pattern of underperformance isn’t new for South Africa. In the 2021 T20 World Cup, they were eliminated on net run rate, taking too long to chase a target of 85. Back in 2012, three costly sixes from Umar Gul led to their downfall. In 2007, while chasing 154 against India, they were restricted to 116, falling short of the qualification mark by 10 runs. These examples highlight a recurring issue: no matter how strong the team appears, they often struggle to deliver when the stakes are high.

See Also: IPL 2024: Season Review: Which players fell short of expectations this season?

What can win them the trophy?

South Africa boasts a powerful lineup of batters, including David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen, Tristan Stubbs, Aiden Markram, and Quinton de Kock, each having scored over 1,000 T20 runs globally since 2023. These players will be the core of the team, earning South Africa the dark horse tag for the upcoming World Cup. There’s always a first time for everything, and the Rainbow Nation hopes that this will finally be the tournament where a South African cricket team performs to its full potential from start to finish.

However, numerous past heartbreaks have eroded confidence in the team’s ability to deliver when it counts. This creates the biggest paradox in South African cricket: whether to hold on to hope or to brace for another letdown. Despite the immense talent and promise, the weight of history makes it hard to fully believe in a different outcome.

South Africa’s middle order is formidable, featuring Klaasen at four, Miller at five, and Stubbs at six. These batters excel against both pace and spin. Heinrich Klaasen has been among the top T20 batters since 2023, scoring more runs than any other middle-order player and boasting the highest strike rate. His performance against spin has been outstanding, with 800 runs at an average of 53.3 and a strike rate of 190.5. Tristan Stubbs has also been impressive, amassing 737 runs this season with an average of 52.6 and a strike rate of 174.2.

Notably, 66% of his runs have come in the death overs, where he strikes at 225.6, making him the most prolific death-overs batter in the recently concluded IPL 2024. Although David Miller’s numbers are more modest (average 28.8, strike rate 133.5), he remains a dynamic T20 player. As a left-hander, Miller adds the valuable left-hand-right-hand combination to the trio.

On good batting pitches, South Africa’s middle order can elevate the team to towering scores. They are also capable of handling the most complete spin attacks on slower tracks. Even above them, South Africa boasts established players like Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, and Aiden Markram. As demonstrated in the 50-over World Cup last year, South Africa has the ability to bat the opposition out of the game in favorable batting conditions. This powerful lineup gives them the potential to dominate matches and make a deep run in the upcoming World Cup.

South Africa’s top seven players are straightforward selections. They have the flexibility to field three spinners by adding wrist-spinner Tabraiz Shamsi alongside finger spinners Keshav Maharaj and Aiden Markram. Alternatively, they can opt for a pace-heavy attack by including bowlers like Gerald Coetzee or Junior Dala. With three of their four group games scheduled to be played in New York, where conditions are uncertain, it will be crucial for them to quickly assess and adapt to the playing environment. This versatility in their lineup gives South Africa multiple strategic options depending on the conditions they encounter.