Proteas bruiser Klaasen on World Cup qualification: It will be very hard, but we'll definitely try

Proteas batter Heinrich Klaasen admitted that 50-over World Cup qualification will be difficult, but insisted they'll give it their best shot.

The Proteas gained 10 crucial ICC World Cup Super League points when they beat India by nine runs in the first ODI in Lucknow on Thursday.

Klaasen made an excellent 74* off 65 balls which helped the Proteas get to 249/4 in 40 overs, but they need to win all three matches in the series to make a dent.

RECAP | Proteas win first ODI against India by nine runs, collect crucial 10 ODI Super League points

The win moved SA to 59 points, but they stayed in 11th place, three points behind Sri Lanka in 10th, nine behind ninth-placed Ireland, and 29 adrift of the West Indies, who are in eighth place.

Only the top eight teams qualify directly for next year's World Cup in India, with the rest having to go through the World Cup qualifying tournament.

Klaasen acknowledged that they also have to prioritise the T20 World Cup, but they'll give the 50-over World Cup qualification journey everything.

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"We need to win nine out of nine matches to have a chance," Klaasen said.

"To qualify for next year's World Cup is going to be very hard, but we'll definitely try. It's our biggest goal.

"Our current goal is the upcoming T20 World Cup, and this is a building process for that as well. Next year's World Cup is also important.

"However, our focus is on the upcoming World Cup, so we're not worried about things that we can't control.

"We want to win each game in a South Africa jersey."

The Ekana Cricket Stadium surface proved to be a difficult one for both teams, especially up front.

India bounced back from 51/4 through excellent innings from