Esterhuizen shines as SA level series against New Zealand

PROTEAS wicket-keeper batter Connor Esterhuizen is learning how to deal with pressure and scrutiny as he navigates international cricket in the ongoing tour to New Zealand.

- ONGAMA GCWABE

CONNOR Esterhuizen. | AFP

Esterhuizen is currently on his maiden international tour with South Africa, taking part in the ongoing five-match T20I series against New Zealand.

During the fourth T20I in Wellington, Esterhuizen blasted 57 off 36, a knock which saw the youngster hit seven boundaries and three maximums, a feat that helped South Africa secure a series-levelling 19-run victory.

As a result, the youngster picked up his first international Player of the Match award, marking his arrival in international cricket. He says he has enjoyed his first experience at this level and has learned invaluable lessons.

"I've loved every second of my first tour with the Proteas," Esterhuizen said on Sunday atter the win.

"The lessons I think I'd take are probably just the pressure and the scrutiny and how to sort of deal with it.

"I don't think anyone masters how to deal with it or anything like that. But I think the more you do it, the more accustomed you become to it.