Proteas seam bowler Nqobani Mokoena.is congratulated by his captain Keshav Maharaj.
Image: AFP
Proteas stand-in captain Keshav Maharaj was impressed with South Africa’s talent reserves after the comfortable seven-wicket victory over New Zealand in the first T20I in Mount Manganui.
Both teams are playing vastly different squads to the sides that featured in the ICC T20 World Cup semi-final in Kolkata a fortnight ago with respective coaches Shukri Conrad and Rob Walter keen to test what sits just below the regular first XIs.
Conrad handed out four debuts - Connor Esterhuizen, Jordan Hermann, Dian Forrester and Nqobani Mokoena - with Esterhuizen and Mokoena, in particular, showing they can compete at a higher level.
Teenage fast bowler Mokoena claimed an impressive 3/26, whilst Esterhuizen closed off the run chase with an unbeaten 45 along with Forrester (16 not out).
"I think all the plans paid off. The execution was top-notch from our young bowling lineup; whatever we asked them to do, they stood up. It was a little nervy towards the end, but it showed the maturity in Connor [Esterhuizen] and Dian [Forrester] to take it over the line,”
“It is exciting to see the depth in the system and how the guys just fit into international cricket. Mokoena was superb today; I couldn't have asked for anything more as a captain, especially with the bat at the end to get us over the line.”
Connor Esterhuizen and Dian Forrester walk after completing a successful run-chase for the Proteas at the Bay Oval.
Image: AFP
Maharaj, though, has warned his young charges to remain focused and the Black Caps are capable of bouncing back in the second T20I at Sneddon Park in Hamilton.
“It was special, but it's back to the drawing board for Tuesday,” he said. “We know the world-class side they are, so it's not about getting ahead of ourselves.
“We will take the positives and be prepared for whatever is thrown at us. Every game is a new opportunity to throw the first punch and be clear with our plans.”