Wed Mar 05 12:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Doull: Klaasen Equals Kohli in ODI Rankings, South Africa Favored Over New Zealand

**Lahore, Pakistan** – Former New Zealand fast bowler Simon Doull has created a stir by placing South Africa’s Heinrich Klaasen on par with batting legend Virat Kohli in One Day International (ODI) cricket. In a statement on Sky Sports, Doull argued that the two players are currently inseparable in terms of ODI performance.

While Kohli boasts a phenomenal record – 14,096 runs in 300 ODIs, including a record 51 centuries – Doull highlighted Klaasen’s explosive batting, particularly against spin, as a key factor. Klaasen’s impressive statistics (2138 runs in 59 ODIs) and his ability to clear the boundary with ease, especially against slower bowling, have earned him a place alongside Kohli in Doull’s estimation.

Looking ahead to the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal between South Africa and New Zealand, Doull gives South Africa the edge. He praised their strong batting depth and superior bowling attack, while expressing concern over New Zealand’s vulnerability in death overs bowling. He questioned whether New Zealand’s recent improvement in this area will hold up against a strong batting side on a good batting pitch. The match is set for Wednesday in Lahore.

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