Proteas stand-in captain Heinrich Klaasen wasn’t pleased with his side’s poor effort in the field during Wednesday’s nine-wicket loss to Pakistan in Centurion.

Babar Azam was the star performer, smashing his way to a historic century which gave Pakistan a 2-1 series lead ahead of Friday’s final clash.

The South Africans, though, experienced lapses of concentration in their fielding as they sought to defend a target of 204.

A number of misfields, a straight-forward chance dropped by Pite van Biljon and a mistimed attempt by Aiden Markram on the boundary capped a disappointing effort by the Proteas.

Speaking post-game, Klaasen explained that fielding is a very big part of the team’s preparation.

‘In training we are brilliant, so I think maybe it is a case of the guys trying too hard and not being calm enough in the field. We strive not be bad in the field,’ he said.

‘It is something we’ll address. It’s a trend but it is a trend we have to get rid of.’

The Proteas need to win Friday’s fourth T20I at SuperSport Park to avoid another series defeat by Pakistan, with a draw now the best possible outcome for the hosts.

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