Keshav Maharaj sings Connor Esterhuizen praises after Proteas pip New Zealand

South Africa fought back from 2-1 down to win the series 3-2 with Esterhuizen notching his maiden half-centuries in the final two matches, including the series decider, after an impressive unbeaten 45 in the low-scoring opening victory.

Maharaj, who first played alongside the 24-year-old at the Pretoria Capitals in the recent SA20, has taken him under his wing and revealed a lost bet that has cost him a bat.

"Yeah, we obviously heard about this kid last season and putting in the numbers that he has, I was fortunate enough to spend the whole SA20 with him, just to see how he goes about his business," said Maharaj.

"He's a real hard worker, he's someone that's under my wing, he's a good kid and I don't think many can hit cricket shots in the middle the way he does, he's a sweet timer of the ball.

"But just how clear he is and how hungry is to want to do well, I actually lost a bet – he won the bet, I told him if he gets 75, I'll give him a bat."

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Missing out on a debut half-century might have affected many players' confidence, but Esterhuizens' responses after being on the losing end in the second and third T20s is something special, according to the veteran spinner.

"I think the way he bounced back and read conditions, and led the batting line-up – there are a couple of guys that have played a handful of Proteas games but him coming in his debut series and getting MOS on some tough wickets is super special," he added.

"I think the knock today summed up the calibre of player he is, and hopefully he grows from strength to strength and keeps putting in the performances and gets noticed for various formats of the game for South Africa."