Proteas young batter Rubin Hermann learnt his trade in SA20.
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Proteas captain Keshav Maharaj believes his young team are making strides heading into the series decider in Christchurch on Wednesday.
The tourists, who arrived in New Zealand without the vast majority of their T20 World Cup squad, began the series with a convincing victory over the Black Caps in the first T20I at the Bay Oval before faltering in Hamilton and Dunedin. But Maharaj’s rookies bounced back in spirited fashion with a 16-run victory in Wellington to set up a series decider in Christchurch on Wednesday.
The key element for the stand-in skipper was the manner in which his youthful charges refused to lay down when the series was on the line at the Cake Tin.
“There was a lot of good energy and a little bit of hunger within the group, and we showed that. It is a young team that is finding its way in international cricket, but to see the response after three games is superb,” Maharaj said.
He was particularly full of praise for his long-time domestic spin partner Prenalyn Subrayen, who broke open the game with two wickets on debut.
“I think the way the debutant (Subrayen) took two wickets was fantastic,” Maharaj said.
Proteas spinner Prenelan Subrayen was impressive on T20I debut.
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With the New Zealand Cricket Association deciding to go it alone with the formation of a NZ20 this week, Maharaj felt the Land of the Long White Cloud could soon benefit from a franchise competition in the same way Betway SA20 has helped develop young players for the Proteas.
"I think every country has their own sort of way of going about business but I think SA20 is a really strong product. You hear about guys coming from all over the world and they are saying what a wonderful tournament to be a part of and the standard of cricket is really high,” he said.
“I'm sure with New Zealand or when New Zealand do it, it will be a wonderful standard, I can't really say if it's gonna upset SA20 in terms of timing, things like but I'm sure it will be a great advert for New Zealand cricket.
"SA20 has been phenomenal for our system. We've seen the Proteas that we've produced especially in the white-ball versions of the game. Guys have just taken to it, showing their national ability and it's given them the opportunity to play against the best and find ways to combat the best,” Maharaj said.
“So, I think it's done wonders, we've seen the new faces not just in this squad but obviously in previous squads that have played and see how they've taken to international cricket, I mean Nqobani Mokoena is a prime example of just a product of SA20.
“There's a few guys that have stood up, obviously Jordan (Hermann) was one of them unfortunately he got injured. So, it's really nice for us, it's a wonderful opportunity like I said to showcase your ability and express yourselves against some of the best T20 cricketers in the world especially in what they do."