The pair lifted the Proteas from 80/5 to 207/5 with a stand of 127 to help level the series 1-1 with three matches to play.

Phehlukwayo - whose match contribution of 4/22 and an unbeaten 69 earned him the man of the match award - says Van der Dussen’s calming presence during a high-pressure situation helped him stay in the moment and to execute his game plans.

“Personally I wanted to be positive,” he said of his intent at the crease. “ It was a hill to climb, there were still a lot of runs needed but we still had a number of balls in hand. Without Rassie there it would have been really tough. Credit must go to him, I think he played an unbelievable knock.”

It has been a frustrating stretch with the bat for the 22-year-old since his debut in 2016, his previous best score was 42 scored at the same ground in the same year. For him, it is a relief that the work behind the scenes is beginning to reap the rewards ahead of an important World Cup year.

“I put a lot of pressure on myself because I want to perform and contribute to the team with bat and ball,” he admitted. “All I can do is work hard behind the scenes and stick to my game plans. When I am out in the middle I look to implement that.

“I think it is the best performance I have delivered in a Proteas jersey,” he continued. “I’m glad that finally, the hard work I have been putting in behind the scenes is paying off. There was a bit of luck but that is how the game goes. Hopefully, I can take the momentum going forward.”

At the other end, Van der Dussen looked comfortable and composed as he continued his dream start to ODI cricket with his second consecutive score of 80 and above.

“I’ve played a lot of cricket in my life,” he said after the match. “As the levels go up the basics and fundamentals stay the same. When I am out there I try to play the situation and try to stay calm and cool under pressure. Whether it’s an international or domestic game I try to approach it the same.

“He is an aggressive type of player,” he said of Phehlukwayo. “He came in and changed the momentum of the game. He was the perfect player to come in. We always knew that if he came off he would get us close.”

The squad travels to Johannesburg on Wednesday ahead of the third match taking place at SuperSport Park at Centurion on Friday.

- Cricket SA