After a superb maiden ODI ton, Janneman Malan gave praise to his teammates for giving him support and motivation which helped increase his mental strength, writes Ongama Gcwabe.

The Proteas won by six wickets but this win is also for our domestic set-up as it continues to produce quality young cricketers like Malan.

For a man of his age, it is shocking to seem him so calm, dominant and smart out in the middle.

“I think most cricketers and youngsters dream of winning matches for the country and the series,” said Malan.

“As a youngster in the team, it was quite motivating for me in going out to show we’re not a one-man team.

“I think the other batters were driven by that, to just do their best and get the team in a good position.”

ALSO READ: PLAYER MOMENTS: JANNEMAN MALAN’S SERIES-WINNING MAIDEN CENTURY

Mark Boucher and Enoch Nkwe have created a winning team culture and environment. The performance we saw today was evident of that.

“Everyone’s happy, a lot of hard work has been going in,” he added.

“We’ve said good teams need to realize the positions they’re in to clinch the series and not give a team a chance, so we’re very happy.”

It must’ve been hard to get a golden duck on his debut but to do it in front of his brothers and their wives must have been harder to cope with.

On top of that add not being included in the squad to tour India after just one opportunity.

But when you have a squad with the right balance of youth and older or more experienced players, there’s always something special that goes on behind the scenes.

“I’m happy to bounce back and get the team a good win,” said Malan confidently.

“Couple of senior guys took their arm around me. Mostly at this level it’s mainly mental because all of us can play the game.

“They just did their best to get me in a good space and give me support. It’s a good squad to be around, everyone is gelling nicely. So that definitely made feel at easy and motivated.”

The Proteas recorded their first series win in almost a year. They’re 2-0 up in the series with one more game left.

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