- After spending a year between his first and second ODI half-century, Kyle Verreynne enjoyed performing for the national team again despite his nervous energy.
- Verreynne scored a measured 62 from 53 deliveries in South Africa's 28-run loss to Pakistan on Wednesday.
- There are enough available slots in the batting order to suggest Verreynne will start at the Bullring in the first T20 versus Pakistan.
After spending a year between his first and second ODI half-century, young Proteas batsman Kyle Verreynne enjoyed performing for the national team again despite his nervous energy.
The wicket-keeper batsman scored a measured 62 from 53 deliveries in South Africa's 28-run loss to Pakistan that saw the visitors take the three-match ODI series 2-1.
Verreynne came into the series as back-up for missing stars that are away on Indian Premier League (IPL) duty, but his domestic form has long dictated that he gets included regardless of who's available.
His career-best First Class double century in the CSA 4-Day Franchise Series also went a long way in keeping him on the radar, in spite of the year-long pause between his third ODI appearance where he scored 50 against Australia and last Wednesday's.
"It's been weird not playing … I think my last ODI was a year or so ago," Verreynne said after the Centurion result.
"[It's a] bit frustrating sitting on the side but getting an opportunity on Wednesday and being able to put a performance together was really enjoyable.
"I was a bit nervous. My last ODI was over a year ago, and I haven't played a 50-over game, even domestically, since then, so I was quite nervous to be honest.
"But it was also really exciting, and I enjoyed it thoroughly.
"The first 50 was such a long time ago that I'd forgotten about it.
"But it's really nice. Anytime you play for your country, any contribution that you make is special.
"To get two 50's back-to-back, even though it doesn't really feel like it, it feels good."
Verreynne could gain further international prominence with a sterling performance in the three-match T20 series against Pakistan that begins at the Wanderers on Saturday.
Without Temba Bavuma (injured), Quinton de Kock and David Miller (both IPL), there are more than enough available slots in the batting order to suggest Verreynne will start at the Bullring.
The 23-year-old is champing at the bit, too, and eager to make hay while the sun shines for him in Proteas green.
"I'm very excited to possibly make my T20 debut," he said.
"It's my first time being in the T20 squad, but along with the excitement, there's also a bit of nerves, feeling your way around the squad.
"It's a new environment for me, so it would be nice to see what it's like.
"I'm quite a confident guy, but whenever you're in a new environment with different people and a new format that you're not used to, there's always going to be a bit of nerves.
"I'm quietly confident, but there's a bit of nerves as well."