Bavuma wants Proteas to copy Klaasen's batting DNA: 'How we want to play our cricket'

Proteas ODI captain Temba Bavuma said Heinrich Klaasen's explosive century in the third ODI against the West Indies in Potchefstroom on Tuesday breathed life into the way they're trying to play their cricket.

Klaasen's 61-ball 119* turned what were positions of significant vulnerability - 73/3, 87/4 and 142/5 - into a Sunday afternoon stroll of a chase.

South Africa passed their target of 261 in 29.3 overs, leaving the visitors bewildered and the hosts more than chuffed.

The hosts batted with the same vigour in the second ODI in East London, but with four debutants and a tall chase of 336, the outcome was rather different.

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Bavuma, who missed Tuesday's third ODI with hamstring discomfort sustained through his regal 144 at Buffalo Park on Saturday, says they want to copy Klaasen's batting DNA and apply it in different conditions.

"Klaasen batted beautifully and the way he went about his business speaks to how we want to play our cricket," Bavuma said.

"The manner in which he batted breathed life in terms of what we've been talking about. As a captain, I've tried to show the example of how we want to play.

"In this game, Klaasen showed what we want to do on a consistent basis, but it's important that we grow through such games and the other games that'll come our way.

"We need to be able to play like this in other conditions."

Bavuma feels they've taken a few steps forward in terms of getting to where they want to be a playing group.

The Proteas have won three of their five ODIs this year, but still have two crucial ones against the Netherlands on 31 March and 2 April that'll determine whether they qualify directly for the World Cup or they go to Zimbabwe.

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