Heinrich Klaasen eyes revenge as he links up with Proteas for Pakistan clash

While the Proteas will be out to avenge their 3-0 series loss to Pakistan in South Africa in an ODI series in December, when they meet in Karachi on Wednesday, they will also have the bigger picture in mind, and that is the Champions Trophy starting next week.

The Proteas have to beat Pakistan on Wednesday to qualify for the final of the tri-series that also includes New Zealand, after the Kiwis beat both Pakistan and South Africa to already book their place in the final.

South Africa's depleted squad, impacted by SA20 commitments, suffered a six-wicket defeat to New Zealand on Monday.

However, the Proteas team set to take the field on Wednesday could look quite different from the one that played earlier in the week, as Corbin Bosch, Tony de Zorzi, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, and Klaasen have all joined the squad.

Several key players, who are expected to participate in the Champions Trophy, including Ryan Rickelton, Rassie van der Dussen, Marco Jansen, Aiden Markram, Kagiso Rabada, David Miller, and Tristan Stubbs, will be joining the team at a later date.

Klaasen, speaking ahead of the match, expressed his desire to settle the score with Pakistan following their 3-0 series victory in South Africa in December.

"Obviously that would be great," said the middle-order batsman, when asked if he had revenge on his mind.

"But, we need to play good cricket as well because there's a bigger picture in mind, the Champions Trophy starting next week. This will be a good exercise for us as a team, and it will be good if we can beat them in their conditions."

However, Klaasen cautioned that playing Pakistan at home was a different challenge altogether.

"This is a unique situation for us. Some guys got an opportunity to play on Monday and they played well, but this is now a big match for the series.

"We played against Pakistan not too long ago (December), but in their conditions, they're a different beast. But, we're looking forward to it."

Klaasen Aiming for Form One player who seized the opportunity on Monday was Matthew Breetzke, who scored 150, with Wiaan Mulder also showing strong batting form.

Klaasen, who had a challenging SA20 campaign, will be eager to get a chance to bat and regain form ahead of the Champions Trophy. He mentioned that adjusting between T20 and ODI cricket wasn't particularly difficult for him.

"The intent (in my game) comes naturally. I don't have to change too much or prepare differently - but it's about telling myself not to go too hard too early," he explained about adapting to the different formats.

"I need to make sure I spend enough time at the crease to be there at the back end of the innings."

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