Proteas’ inexperience shows as Pakistan seal T20 series but Conrad sees growth

SOUTH Africa's young T20 side learnt some harsh lessons in Lahore on Saturday night as Pakistan completed a 2-1 comeback series win with a four-wicket victory in the decider - exposing the Proteas’ inexperience but also, coach Shukri Conrad believes, helping to paint a clearer picture for next year’s T20 World Cup.

- ROWAN CALLAGHAN

A largely experimental South African side had won the series opener in Rawalpindi convincingly before coming undone in back-to-back matches in Lahore on Friday and Saturday night.

“It was rather disappointing, especially going 1-0 up and then coming to Lahore and not getting out the blocks,” Conrad admitted during Saturday’s post-match media conference.

“We found ourselves in trouble every PowerPlay with the bat, and when you’re posting 110 or 140, you're not going to win many games. The inexperience really showed, to a large degree, but that is no excuse.”