Du Plessis lauds gutsy Proteas

South Africa's T20 captain Faf du Plessis praised the side's character and determination after they won their first limited-overs series in Sri Lanka.

"We were down and out after we were outplayed in the ODIs," Du Plessis said. "To come back like this shows huge character and heart. I'm proud of the way the guys have performed in this series so far."

The Proteas defeated Sri Lanka by 22 runs in the second Twenty20 international at the weekend to hold an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match T20 International series.

Du Plessis said Tuesday's dead-rubber would provide an opportunity to try new combinations, particularly looking ahead to the ICC World Twenty20 in Bangladesh, which would be played in similar conditions.

"There is an option to try out some new combinations in the next match, especially considering that we are eight games away from the Word Cup," Du Plessis explained. "We know what the current combinations are capable of, so the series win has given us some space to try out one or two tweaks. The main objective will be to try and give the players who haven't had any game time an opportunity, and the experience of playing in these tough conditions will be invaluable going forward for every player in our squad."

(File Photo:Gallo Images)

- Sapa

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