Veteran South African pacer Masabata Klaas reached a proud career milestone, completing her 150th international appearance during the 2nd ODI against Pakistan at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on September 19, 2025.
The 34-year-old right-arm quick, who made her debut back in 2010, returned figures of 5-0-28-1 in a rain-curtailed contest as South Africa sealed a 25-run win to clinch the series 2-0 with a game to spare. Led by Laura Wolvaardt, South Africa will also take confidence from Klaas’ experience ahead of the upcoming ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 in India and Sri Lanka.
Klaas first donned Proteas colours in the ODI format against Sri Lanka on 6th October 2010 at Potchefstroom. Over a 15-year career in the format, she has turned into South Africa’s ever-reliable support seamer, complementing the spearheads with her accuracy. In 81 matches, she has picked up 81 wickets in 78 innings, maintaining an average of 31.88 and an economy of 5.03.
Her standout moment includes two four-wicket hauls, the best of which came as late as 17th June 2025, against the West Indies at Cave Hill, where she struck with a tight spell of 6-0-25-4 to dismantle the Caribbean middle order, setting up a commanding 166-run win for South Africa. Klaas’ contribution in ODIs is defined less by flamboyance and more by reliability, bowling tight spells, holding one end, and breaking partnerships at crucial junctures across different conditions.
Just days after her ODI bow, Klaas made her T20I debut against the Netherlands at Potchefstroom on 14th October 2010. Over the years, she has been trusted in the shortest format for her ability to hold her nerves under pressure. Across 67 T20Is, she has bagged 43 wickets in 63 innings, at an average of 33.30 and an economy of 7.63.
Her most memorable display came on 21st January 2023, at Buffalo Park, East London, where Klaas produced a fiery spell of 4-0-21-4 against the West Indies. The spell not only set up a 44-run win but also earned her the Player of the Match award, showcasing the potency she can unleash when conditions favour her seam movement. Although her numbers may not place her among the format’s leading wicket-takers, Klaas’ tactical spells in the middle overs have often ensured South Africa retained balance in their T20I XI.
Masabata Klaas’ most recent addition to her cricketing journey has been Test cricket, where she made her debut against a powerful Australian side at the W.A.C.A., Perth, in February 2024. Her Test career remains in its early stages, with just two innings across one Test, returning 3 wickets at an average of 53 and an economy of 4.18. Though her opportunities in the red-ball format have been limited, Klaas’s presence underscores her versatility across formats and her ability to lend balance even in South Africa’s rare Test outings.
As Klaas marks this significant 150-game milestone, her sight now turns towards the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, set to take place in India and Sri Lanka from 30th September to 2nd November. South Africa, under Wolvaardt’s captaincy, will begin their campaign against England, led by Nat Sciver-Brunt, on 3rd October at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati (3 PM IST).
In a squad blending youth and experience, Klaas’ decade-and-a-half of international exposure, from her ODI grounding to T20 adaptability and Test initiation, will be invaluable. With 81 ODI wickets and more than 40 in T20Is, Klaas stands as an understated yet vital figure in South Africa’s pace attack. Her efficiency, work ethic, and calm presence make her not only a survivor in international cricket but also a dependable leader of South Africa’s bowling reserves.
As South Africa aims for their maiden global crown, Klaas’ milestone underlines her longevity, resilience, and quiet effectiveness, qualities that will serve the Proteas well on the biggest stage.
