Proteas wicketkeeper-batsman Heinrich Klaasen hit a fifth consecutive half-century in ODI cricket this week.
Klaasen’s 64 in victory over England in Karachi gave South Africa a berth in the semi-final stage of this year’s Champions Trophy.
His previous four ODI innings yielded 87, 81, 97 and 86 against Pakistan.
Former Proteas ODI batsman Quinton de Kock, band Kepler Wessels also recorded five consecutive half-centuries in this format. De Kock did it twice. Wessels’ five included one for Australia.
“I gave myself a challenge with coach Rob Walter this trip – I want to be the best in the world. But I want to be the best in the world, and I know I can play situations well and for me, just to keep hitting it on the ground for as long as possible,” said Klaasen.
“I’m quite pleased with my innings against England. I scored runs by standing still and just trusting my technique. I know my swing is good, so as long as it clicks then I am quite happy.
“I think I’m very blessed at the moment where I’m with my game, and understanding my game quite well. I’m not a guy that faces all our seamers in the nets. I just do a couple of drills and face a little bit of spin. At the moment, I’m meeting the ball out of the middle of the bat. That’s my piece that I go with, and as long as my technique is good, I’m quite happy.”
Klaasen currently occupies fourth position in the International Cricket Council’s rankings for ODI batsmen.
South Africa will play India or New Zealand in next week’s Champions Trophy semi-final.