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Pretorius: I've worked my whole life for this

Cape Town - Dwaine Pretorius credits his blistering performance for the Proteas in the second ODI to his hunger to contribute towards the team's success.

Playing only in his sixth ODI, Pretorius smashed his maiden half-century in Christchurch on Wednesday.

Pretorius smashed 50 off 27 balls after being the pick of the Proteas bowlers, when he took 2/40 in his 10 overs.

The 27-year-old put on a 61-run ninth wicket partnership with Andile Phehlukwayo to see the Proteas edge closer to victory.

Unfortunately, Pretorius lost his wicket after reaching his 50 and missed a Trent Boult full toss to see the ball crashing into the stumps as the Proteas fell six runs short of a win.

Pretorius believes that this stellar performance has given him the confidence to not only continue to work hard, but to be able to contribute in both aspects of the game.

"This is my second opportunity to bat, it's great to contribute to the team and at the end of the day we all play for the team," Pretorius told reporters in Christchurch on Wednesday.

"For me to do well for the country is awesome. I've worked my whole life to get to this stage and it's just awesome to contribute.

"Obviously I've been having a lot of confidence in myself. I'm just going to keep working hard and we'll see what happens in the future."

Pretorius told the media that he wants to be considered a complete all-rounder to join the likes of Chris Morris, Wayne Parnell, Andile Phehlukwayo in South Africa's ODI set-up.

"I would love to be seen as a 50/50 all-rounder, I'd like to contribute in both aspects of the game," said Pretorius.

"I do pride myself in my batting a lot, I put a lot of work in both facets of the game. The most important thing to me is adding value to the team."

Pretorius said that the Proteas would bounce back from the disappointment of losing for the first time in 13 ODIs. 

"Since I've been involved (with the Proteas), it feels like the team doesn't rely heavily on one or two players - everyone needs to contribute," said Pretorius.

"I think that's been the key in the last 12 games is that if the team contributes we do really well.

"If a big player has an off day, someone else steps up."

The third ODI gets underway in Wellington on Saturday, February 25 (03:00 SA time).

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