South Africa made a strong start to the series at Kingsmead, claiming a six-wicket victory on Friday before backing it up with another convincing performance, an eight-wicket win, in Sunday’s second encounter.

The Proteas spinners played a key role in the second match in particular. Chloe Tryon starred with impressive figures of 3/22 in her four overs, while Nonkululeko Mlaba chipped in with 1/17 from her full allocation.

Keshav Maharaj. Photo: Cricinfo

Their success was aided by the presence of Proteas men’s spinner Maharaj, who spent time working with the squad. A Durban local, Maharaj offered valuable insight into the Kingsmead surface and local conditions.

Luus, who struck a composed 57 with the bat in the second match, also benefited personally from the opportunity to work closely with the experienced left-arm spinner.

In both games, South Africa opted to bowl first – a decision Luus said was influenced by Maharaj’s intimate knowledge of the Kingsmead pitch.

Luus said the experienced spinner had been fantastic to work with.

“I think we had our inside man in Keshav – he knows the Durban conditions really well,” said Luus.

“The pitch hasn’t played like the usual slow Durban surface. The first game was an absolute belter and, even though we expected it to slow down, it still played very nicely.

“Credit to the groundsmen for preparing good wickets. Our bowlers did a great job to give us something to chase, and with our batting firing over the last couple of seasons, I felt very comfortable.”

Chloe Tryon. Photo: Morgan Piek

The seasoned campaigner added Maharaj’s input had been invaluable during the team’s stay in Durban, and she hopes coach Mandla Mashimbyi might be able to call on another member of the men’s team when the series moves to Johannesburg.

“It’s been awesome working with him. Sometimes coaches can become a bit repetitive, but coming from a world number one bowler, we really absorbed everything he shared over the last few days.

“His experience was phenomenal and, being a Durban boy, he understood the conditions perfectly – which definitely worked in our favour.”

Nonkululeko Mlaba. Photo: Morgan Piek

“Hopefully, we can get a Joburg boy involved in Joburg next, but whoever joins the camp, a fresh perspective and voice always adds value. It was really great having him with us.”

The Proteas will now be targeting a series-clinching victory when they face India in the third T20 International on Wednesday in Johannesburg. The fourth and final match of the series will also be played at the Wanderers.

Wednesday’s third T20 International at the Bullring is scheduled to start at 18:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg