On Saturday, October 21, at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, South Africa defeated England by a comfortable margin of 229 runs in a match for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. Heinrich Klaasen was South Africa’s hero, scoring a valiant 109 off 67 balls to lead his team to a record-breaking 399/7, the most runs England has ever given up in an ODI. With consecutive deliveries from Mark Wood, the 32-year-old scored a six and a four to reach his century. The bowler appeared annoyed by the batter’s celebration of his century by roaring loudly directly into the face of the wood.
After his victory celebration, Heinrich Klaasen admitted that he instantly apologized to the England pacer after realizing the error of his ways.
He claimed that Wood twice hit on his foot, which made him yell at the bowler. The South African added that he had spoken with Wood following the game and hoped that everything had been resolved.
I kept my mouth shut to him. After the game and right away, I did go and apologize. He struck me twice on the foot, which hurts a lot and is just painful out of passion. And yes, once more, I apologize to both him and the English boys. However, what just came out was pure emotion, which may be challenging to control. But I did apologize right away, and I spoke to him after the game, so hopefully everything is resolved from my end,” said Klaasen following the loss.
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I believe Heinrich Klaasen was visibly moved when he scored a perfect score: Buttler
Heinrich Klaasen celebration was only an emotional one, according to England’s captain Jos Buttler. The South African had no grudges toward the wicketkeeper-batter, the latter of whom instantly apologized after recognizing his error.
“I believe he was definitely moved by scoring a perfect score. He didn’t need to celebrate in front of Mark Wood, and it’s to his credit that he quickly realized the error of his ways and apologized. There are no hard feelings because they played a great knock and I believe he immediately apologized, according to Buttler.