Although the Proteas’ chase in the first ODI against Zimbabwe in Kimberley left much to be desired, Heinrich Klaasen’s two massive sixes are our pick for Play of the Day.

With Quinton de Kock rested for the series against Zimbabwe, Klaasen got another opportunity to showcase his talents as he took on the wicketkeeping responsibilities in the first ODI. The Proteas’ top-order collapse gave Klaasen the chance to top-score in the match, with his run-a-ball 44 including five fours and two power-packed sixes. His innings helped South Africa stumble to a five-wicket victory as he pipped his previous highest ODI score of 43 not out off 27 balls against India in Johannesburg earlier this year.

Klaasen was the pick of the Proteas’ batsmen after an exhilarating, free-scoring innings on a very challenging pitch. South Africa bafflingly lost five wickets in chasing Zimbabwe’s score of 117 and Klaasen will definitely be disappointed to be included on that list of wickets. His pull shot was on song throughout the innings and was extra impressive when he smashed two massive sixes over midwicket, taking the Proteas ever closer to the low victory target. He finally picked out the man who had just previously been moved to the boundary with the only pull he mistimed just six runs short of what would have been his maiden ODI half-century.

He will hope to continue his run-scoring form throughout the series as he looks to prove his value to the selectors in order to cement a place in the squad ahead of the 2019 Cricket World Cup in England and Wales.

Photo: Wikus de Wet/AFP/Getty Images