Rob Walter defends experimental squad after series loss against Afghanistan

The Proteas nicked a seven-wicket consolation win in the final game of the series but flaws were exposed in the first two matches when they lost by six wickets and then by 177 runs.

While the conditions and heat were a factor in Sharjah, Walter was happy enough that the fringe players were exposed to the brutal realities of international cricket.

"The series result is disappointing, in particular the first two games, where we have exposed some of our fringe players," Walter said.

"But ultimately we can only get better if we are exposed to conditions, and these conditions were tough, so hopefully this is just a catalyst to us getting better and the depth getting stronger."

The Proteas will now move on to Abu Dhabi where they will face Ireland in two T20Is and a further three ODIs, with the coach looking for his team build on the momentum of winning the last ODI against Afghanistan.

Ryan Rickelton and Rassie van der Dussen will join the squad for the ODI leg of the Ireland fixtures while Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram and Andile Simelane will return home.

Walter added: "While we are handing opportunities, weâ™re not casting the net too wide. We still want to make sure when gaining experience that weâ™re doing it in a measured fashion.

"So we're not handing out too many different caps to different players, but building on the experience that the guys have gained from these matches.

"I'm hoping they'll take this experience into the Ireland series because that's important. So it's a similar looking squad and weâ™re hoping to continue with the momentum."

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