Aiden Markram: Proteas just lacked in execution

Markram addressed the media following their second successive defeat in the three-match T20 series at Kingsmead Stadium in Durban, where Australia again won comprehensively by eight wickets with 31 balls to spare.

READ: Proteas crushed again as Australia clinch T20 series

The skipper, who top scored with 49 runs off 38 balls in an innings that saw another batting collapse, reserved praise for batter Temba Bavuma, who got the team off to a promising start with a quick-fire 35 off 17 balls.

"Temba got us off to a fantastic start, which was great to see as well, great intent from his side and sort of living the message we're chatting about behind the scenes," said Markram.

"Still not up to our full potential, that's for sure. Slightly better signs with the bat, but still a bit off the mark there, and with the ball it's quite a big challenge when you've got guys in some good touch.

"They don't really worry about boundary riders, they back themselves to clear it and through that they put bowlers under a lot of pressure.

"We had good chats building up to this game about plans and things like that, and I certainly felt the bowlers were more calm during the bit of carnage that was happening out there. 

"The plans were in place, unfortunately we just let ourselves down once again with the execution."

With the series now wrapped up, South Africa will be playing for pride to try and avoid a white-wash in the final clash on Sunday (14:00).

"A slight improved performance with the bat can bring us more confidence for Sunday. And from a bowling point of view, certainly we did have clearer plans," he added.

"Unfortunately, we didn't execute so it's just about getting that right because the plans are there to help us compete and put us in strong positions during the game."