Wicketkeeper-batsman Heinrich Klaasen has said it is the better understanding and much more pleasure experienced from enjoying the sport, which has paved the way for his early success at the highest level for South Africa.
Klaasen earned Man-of-the-Match award after his maiden half-century in one-day international cricket against Zimbabwe in the third ODI at Paarl and he is very happy for it, as his match-winning knock of 59 in the run-chase of a modest but tricky 229 target, helped South Africa clinch the series 3-0.
After the game, Klassen was quoted saying, "I think the team played fantastically well. I am starting to enjoy my cricket. Fantastic wicket, I enjoyed it, and hopefully, we can get more wickets like these. I need to put more effort, but I can't complain,"
Klassen's teammate, wrist-spinner Imran Tahir also reflected back on an excellent short home series for him, where he picked up player of the series award for his 10 wickets, including a 6-fer and a hat-trick in the second game in Bloemfontein.
Tahir said, "Pleased the way it's coming out. I am trying to improve my game. I am happy with the way I bowled in this series. I want to play as long as I can and I am enjoying the game," and stressed, "I don't take things for granted. I think the six-wicket haul was the highlight because I wasn't aware of the hat-trick."
Meanwhile, South African skipper Faf du Plessis is very pleased with the way the 2018-19 season has started off for his team and wants his men to continue the good work in the upcoming limited-overs tour of Australia.
Faf said, "Our bowling was good in all three games. First two games, the conditions were tough to bat on. The guys played well today. Should've been more sensible not to throw wickets at the end,"
"We try to keep looking ahead and making sure we give a longer run to the new guys. Australia is the next ODI tour for us and which will probably be the 15-16 guys that we will be looking at towards the World Cup. Exciting times ahead," he signed off.
(Inputs from ICC)
