South Africa, who are brimming with confidence after clinching victories in the first two Tests against Australia, suffered a 53-run defeat against Victoria XI in their 50-over day-night tour warm-up game at the MCG on Saturday as their final preparation for next week's third Test in Adelaide.
Chasing Victoria's 258, the Proteas could only manage 205-4 which included Hashim Amla's unbeaten 80 and Dean Elgar 40, who was retired hurt, reports Sport24.
Left-arm chinaman bowler Tabraiz Shamsi put himself in contention for a Test debut with a four-wicket haul in the pink-ball warm-up match, while young gun fast bowler Kagiso Rababa claimed three for three for 37 off four overs.
Shamsi, who took three for 36 at home in a one-dayer against Australia last October, said, "That's a theory going around - you can't necessarily say it's a given thing, it's not a proven thing."
"I'm really happy with the way I've gone personally against them. Hopefully it continues," he added.
The left-arm spinner said the Proteas adapted well to the pink ball and were happy ahead of the Adelaide Test.
"Some people say there are difficulties seeing it, but I think the guys have done enough practice with it, just to pick it up.So it's not too bad. We've had enough practice with it and we're happy to move forward," he said.
For Victoria XI, young batsmen Seb Gotch (53) and Matthew Short (52) provided the backbone of the innings before all-rounder Evan Gulbis smashed 53 from 28 balls at No 8.
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