Proteas T20 World Cup

Temba Bavuma (2nd R) and Bjorn Fortuin (3rd R) of South Africa celebrate winning as Akeal Hosein (L) and Fidel Edwards (2nd L) of West Indies react after losing the 5th and final T20I between West Indies and South Africa at Grenada National Cricket Stadium, Saint George’s, Grenada, on July 3, 2021. (Photo by Randy Brooks / AFP) (Photo by RANDY BROOKS/AFP via Getty Images)

Win in West Indies gives Proteas belief ahead of T20 World Cup

There were plenty of areas where the Proteas need to improve but by playing to their strengths, they managed to get over the line.

Proteas T20 World Cup

Temba Bavuma (2nd R) and Bjorn Fortuin (3rd R) of South Africa celebrate winning as Akeal Hosein (L) and Fidel Edwards (2nd L) of West Indies react after losing the 5th and final T20I between West Indies and South Africa at Grenada National Cricket Stadium, Saint George’s, Grenada, on July 3, 2021. (Photo by Randy Brooks / AFP) (Photo by RANDY BROOKS/AFP via Getty Images)

Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma feels that the 3-2 T20I series win over the West Indies will give his team confidence in their abilities.

There were plenty of areas where the Proteas need to improve but by playing to their strengths, they managed to get over the line.

Win in West Indies gives Proteas belief

At the post match presentation Bavuma, explained his feelings on the series: “Very delighted, it’s been an incredible effort from the boys. Winning the series can only boost our confidence. Looking at the World Cup gives us belief. Things are gelling, we were put under pressure from a skill point of view. Big stride forward for us.”

Tabraiz Shamsi beat out Quinton de Kock in a tight race for man of the series, and the Proteas spinner has credited hours of watching film with his success.

“[I’m] somebody who likes to watch a lot of footage,” Shamsi said. 

“Full credit goes to the entire bowling unit, which is why we won the series. There is a running joke in the team that the safest place to hit the ball is to hit it to me! People never gave us a chance. The teams played really well. To win 3-2 at their home ground shows something about the team.”

Markram comes through

Aiden Markram came to the party to support De Kock in the series decider which is likely to ensure he is granted an extended run in the side.

Markram credited Proteas star De Kock with guiding him through their match-winning partnership on a tricky surface.

“Lot of credit has to go to Quinny, he’s played a lot of T20 cricket,” Markram said as he accepted the man of the match award.

“He was guiding me, as he’s spent a lot of time on this pitch. He’s a special player. [South Africa’s fielding in the series] Credit to the fielding coach – he’s put us through the hard yards. The attitude of the players towards Justin Ontong has been great.”

South Africa’s Proteas will now head to Ireland for a brief white-ball series.