Proteas speedster Anrich Nortje says he is excited about playing in his very first Pink ODI on Sunday and admits the team learnt from their mistakes in the first encounter against Pakistan.

The South Africans suffered a narrow defeat in Centurion on Friday and require a victory on Sunday to keep the three-match series alive.

With the Proteas’ IPL players set to depart for India after the Pink Day encounter, Nortje, who will meet up with the Delhi Capitals, hopes to make his presence felt when play gets under way at the Wanderers.

‘I’ve watched the games from home before, but to be involved in one now is really exciting. Looking on from the outside, it always looked everyone just had a bit more energy.

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The Proteas boast a pretty good record in the annual Pink Day ODI but went down to Pakistan and England in the previous two editions of the occasions.

According to Nortje, the Proteas are generally pretty confident when they play up in the Highveld and admits they need to be better than on Friday.

‘It was a little bit on the slower side than usual at Centurion. But still there was bounce and if you put in the energy, there were rewards on offer. The new ball was difficult to face for both sides.

‘We back ourselves to do well at these two grounds, especially against a subcontinent team. It was a bit disappointing but lessons learnt that hopefully we can take into the next game,’ he added.

Sunday’s clash will get under way at 10:00am.