Proteas primed as confident Markram looks to T20 World Cup

South Africa captain Aiden Markram was taking plenty of positives from his side's series triumph over the West Indies as their focus quickly turns to the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

The Proteas warmed up for the upcoming T20 World Cup with a 2-1 series victory over the West Indies on home soil, with the Proteas falling to a narrow loss in the series finale on Saturday in a rain-affected contest in Johannesburg.

The loss did little to dampen the spirits of Markram, with South Africa's captain believing the side is well placed to go one step further than their runner-up finish behind India at the most recent T20 World Cup in 2024.

"There was five overs of Powerplay and then basically five overs of death. They played some good shots and got a good score," Markram said after his side's DLS loss to the West Indies.

"We backed ourselves but fell short. It was a good exercise and there was definitely some good stuff to take home tonight.

"It was a good series with lots of good signs from us. The players are in good form. It is a nice thing to have going to the (T20) World Cup. Exciting times ahead and happy with where the team is at. We have got all bases covered."

The West Indies also took plenty of positives from the series in South Africa, with skipper Shai Hope and hard-hitting batter Shimron Hetmyer each scoring 48 in the third T20I in a good showing ahead of their opening match at the T20 World Cup against Scotland on February 7.

Spinner Gudakesh Motie also impressed with a three-wicket haul for the West Indies against South Africa, while pacer Shamar Joseph conceded just nine runs from the final over to ensure his side claimed the victory.

“It’s very challenging when you are stopping and starting,” Hope said after the match.

“It’s more challenging batting first. I’m very happy with the strides we’re making. It’s good to see Shimron batting well and the bowlers are hitting their straps.”