Splendid win boosts South Africa’s tri-series final chances

Pretorius was adjudged Player of the Match for his superb innings of 94 that helped the Proteas amass 185/7 and Zimbabwe were dismissed for just 142 in reply.

It was a welcome return to form for Pretorius – who had managed just scores of 9 and 22 through the opening two matches of the tri-series – with the 20-year-=old confirming he had spoken with recently retired Proteas batter Heinrich Klaasen in a bid to change his fortunes.

“I spoke to Heinrich Klaasen,” Pretorius said. 

“Coming off a couple of low scores in The Hundred and the first two games here, I just feel like I had to speak to him. He’s obviously played a lot of T20 cricket around the world, and he’s experienced most things – all the ups and all the downs, lows and highs. And I felt like he’s a good person to speak to.

“We obviously play different roles. He (Klaasen) bats in the middle, but he’s experienced it.

“It’s more about mindset. I feel like we can speak, and we have some similarities around it. And he really helped me in terms of my mindset going into today.”

While disappointed not to score his maiden international century, Pretorius was thrilled he could contribute to the win.

“I wasn’t too fussed about it. I believe that milestones will come and go.” he said. 

“It’s a team sport. If I was worried about my milestone, I should rather play tennis or golf. So I wasn’t too upset about it.”