Royal Challengers Bangalore’s crucial encounter against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium witnessed two masterful tons on the day. While Virat Kohli’s sixth IPL century grabbed the headlines in the second innings, former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen classed Heinrich Klaasen’s ton as the better innings.
Sunrisers Hyderabad were in a spot of bother after losing two quick wickets in the powerplay. However, Heinrich Klaasen continued his purple patch in the tournament and registered a blistering century off just 49 deliveries to rescue the home side from a perilous position.
However, his ton went in vain as former RCB skipper Virat Kohli also breached the three-figure mark in the second innings to bring his side to the cusp of victory. Although the RCB batting great received widespread plaudits for his record-setting sixth century, former England batting ace Kevin Pietersen reckoned Klaasen’s century was better as he was playing for a ‘dysfunctional team’ without much support.
“Let me say an unpopular thought. Heinrich’s was the better ton of the two. Klaasen’s innings was the better one. Imagine being part of a team that is already out, with little support. Playing for a team which is so dysfunctional…it’s brilliant. The way that Klaasen played today was phenomenal,” Kevin Pietersen said on Star Sports.
On the overview, the South African wicketkeeper-batter was more ruthless in his approach as his century came in double quick time and was laced with some incredible shots, especially against the spinners. His ability to play spin bowling has really caught the eye of the experts as not many overseas players are equipped with the ability to tackle the spinners on Indian pitches.
However, Kohli’s century came in a pressure situation as it was a must-win encounter for the Bangalore-based franchise, and his innings at the top of the order played a pivotal role in RCB’s victory. The former Indian great has now got six centuries to his name in the competition’s history, the joint most along with Chris Gayle.