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  • 6/4/2025
Relive one of Lance Klusener’s thrilling Test innings as he launched a fierce counterattack against Pakistan in the 2nd Test at Sheikhupura, played from October 17 to 21, 1997. In a match cut short by heavy monsoon rain, Klusener made sure fans got their money’s worth by smashing 58 runs off just 54 balls in 73 minutes, hammering 9 glorious boundaries and 1 towering six.

Known for his aggressive style and fearless approach, Klusener brought energy to a rain-marred match that sadly ended in a dull draw with only two days of play possible. But for the time he was at the crease, it was pure entertainment.

🎬 Watch this powerful innings by one of South Africa’s most explosive all-rounders!

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Transcript
00:00Lance Kluzner explosive batting was always box office entertainment for cricket lovers.
00:06A natural aggressor, he loved taking the attacks to the ballers.
00:10One such fiery knock came against Pakistan in the second test at Shekhopura in 1997,
00:16where he blazed his way to a quick-fire 58 of 54 deliveries in just 73 minutes,
00:22peppered with nine crisp boundaries and a towering six. Unfortunately, the test fizzled out into a
00:28rain-roin draw, with the monsoon showers allowing play on just two days. But for the time,
00:33he was at the Krize Kluzner lit up the stage. Sit back and enjoy this thunderous innings.
00:58This was a good ball, bowled by Siklian, but nicely played by Kluzner, dropping his wrists.
01:08Played with a soft hand.
01:15Well, it does the same again.
01:18And once more, it might win the race to the boundary, and it does.
01:22Well, that will be maddening for the bowler. Getting past Wazim Akram.
01:33That'll be frustrating for Wazim Akram also, is let that ball go again.
01:40They're not behind that.
01:42That was in there just for a little longer, dropped short of the gully.
01:51But he's played it with reasonably soft hands, which is unusual. And this has hit very hard and high.
01:59And will be four runs. He didn't quite get hold of it. It went higher than further, and it is four runs
02:08instead of six. And he smashes, and it's four runs. Well, that's the way he plays. He does not move from
02:19the crease. He just laid that heavy bat onto that, and it was a way through the covers for four. A bit airborne,
02:27but he doesn't care. That's the right thing to do, really. Siklian not in his best of bowling
02:34forms in this particular innings. And Kluzner making full use of that half volley, launching himself
02:43nicely for a well-deserved four.
02:49Played with great defense of circumspection by Lance Kluzner, and just smothers that one. And
02:57they do turn away for the pavilion. Well, what an entertaining morning it has been. South Africa
03:04resuming at 154 for two. And Adam Bacher progressing from his 78 to 96, when sadly he was given out
03:12caught behind. The second time in his test career that he has fallen on 96. Still to get a test 100,
03:2096 against the Australians. Last season, 96 today, one really does feel for the young man.
03:27And then the good work of Kirsten and Bacher continued by the captain Hansi Cornier,
03:33an inspired 50 with three sixes, three fours, and just 90 balls.
03:38And now, because we didn't get a start until after lunch on the second day.
03:45That's going to be four more. Waka can't get to that.
03:48So, the 50 partnership, and strokes really flowing off these two bats now.
03:57It's a good shot from Kluzner. He's picked the right length to sweep, and also the correct line.
04:03Ball pitching well outside Ostump, turning back into him.
04:07So, he's safe with the right pad, well outside the line. Should he miss it?
04:17Oh, that was the most handsome blow. That's six runs all the way. A marvelous stroke. A good,
04:22clean swing of the bat, and a beautiful contact. It's the end of the over, 314.
04:28Lance Kluzner. He's on 49.
04:33And will reach his 50 with that single. A very, very good innings by this left-hander from South Africa.
04:41Brought into this test match because of injury to some other players.
04:46And really, he's come good with a top-class innings. Just 46 balls in 62 minutes. Seven boundaries and a six.
04:53Great knock. 58 of only 54 balls with nine fours and one six. That's entertainment.
05:04Right from the word go. Now, watch where this ball pitches.
05:09Yes, this would have easily missed the leg stump. Ball just going down the leg. Not a very good decision
05:18there from umpire Nazir. Born on September 4, 1971 in Durban,
05:24Lance Kluzner rose to prominence with his fearless style of play, earning a reputation as one of the
05:30most dangerous hitters in world cricket. Lance Kluzner, affectionately known as Zulu, was a dynamic
05:37all-rounder for South Africa during the late 90s and the early 2000s. Renowned for his aggressive
05:44left-handed batting and potent right-arm fast medium balling. Kluzner brought a fearless approach to the
05:50game, often turning matches with his explosive performances. In test cricket, Lance Kluzner
05:55featured in 49 matches, amassing 1,906 runs at an average of 32.86. His highest score,
06:03a commanding 174 against England in Port Elizabeth in 1999, showcased his ability to dominate balling
06:11attack. Throughout his test career, he notched up four centuries and 850s with a strike rate of 59.80,
06:19underscoring his aggressive intent at the crease. With the ball, he claimed 80 wickets, boosting best
06:24figure of 8 for 64 on his test debut against India in Kolkata, a performance that remains one of the
06:31best by South African on test debut. Lance Kluzner's fearless batting and ability to perform
06:37under pressure made him a fan-favorite and a vital assist to the South African team during his playing
06:43years. While he had a solid test career, it was in one day international where Kluzner truly made his
06:49mark. He played 171 ODIs, scoring 3576 runs at an average of 41.10, with a strike rate of 89.91. Impressive
07:00number, especially for a lower-order batter. He also took 192 wickets in ODIs, making him a genuine
07:07match-winning all-rounder. His most iconic moment came during the 1999 Cricket World Cup in England,
07:13where he was named Player of the Tournament. He stunned the world with his power hitting and
07:18calm under pressure, especially in tight finishes. Unfortunately, his run was heartbreakingly cut short
07:25in the infamous tight semi-final against Australia at H-Baston. After retiring from international
07:31cricket, he took up coaching role and he has remained involved in the game. He has worked with
07:37various teams, including Afghanistan, South Africa domestic sides and franchises in the leagues around
07:43the world. Lance Kluzner's legacy lies in his fearless approach, ability to swing games in minutes,
07:49and his all-round brilliance making him one of the most thrilling characters of his era.
07:53If you liked this video, please comment, share and subscribe.

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