Little Master tips his hat at Klaasen's 'special' IPL century: 'One of the best I've seen'

Proteas wicketkeeper-batter Heinrich Klaasen was praised for his scintillating Indian Premier League (IPL) century in a losing cause for the Sunrisers Hyderabad.

On Thursday, Klaasen's century went in vain for the bottom-of-the-log Sunrisers thanks to a 100 by Virat Kohli for the Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Reeling at 28-2 after Michael Bracewell's double strike for Bangalore, Klaasen shared a 76-run stand with fellow countryman Aiden Markram (18) and then a 74-run stand with Harry Brook (27*).

Klaasen stood tall for Hyderabad as he notched his second consecutive fifty (off 24 balls) and then brought up his maiden IPL century off just 49 balls.

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Klaasen eventually went on to smash 104 off 51 balls (hitting eight fours and six sixes) before he was bowled by Harshal Patel in the 19th over.

"(It was) pretty special feeling, fantastic crowd, glad I got it at home. Wicket's slower than it has been in the season so far," said Klaasen shortly after his innings.

Shortly after Klaasen's innings, Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar took to Twitter to acknowledge Klaasen, writing: "Klaasen's footwork has been simple and uncomplicated, one of the best I've seen in the recent past."

IPL is a mix of creative and traditional batting. Today has been a Klaas-ic display of traditional batting. Klaasen’s footwork has been simple and uncomplicated, one of the best I’ve seen in the recent past. Treat to watch!#SRHvRCB #IPL2023 pic.twitter.com/mUVRTRxsYh

Former Proteas star batter AB de Villiers hailed Klaasen's "unreal knock".

Unreal knock! What a player. Top 5 best 100’s of the IPL, best this season.

However, the Sunrisers Hyderabad bowling attack could not stop an in-form Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli.

Chasing 187 to win, Du