South African cricket captain JP Duminy has welcomed his team’s worrying 14-wicket turnaround, saying it provides invaluable lessons ahead of the World Cup.

After walloping Australia by seven wickets in game one of their Twenty20 series this week, South Africa was on the wrong end of the same result on Friday night at the MCG.

They will play the series decider on Sunday night at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium.

Australia’s bowlers blanketed the South Africans in game two, restricting them to 7-101 from 20 overs.

The home side breezed past the target with more than seven overs left.

“100 runs was never going to be enough – we’ve got a lot to think about and a lot to chat about,” Duminy said.

“In some ways I’m happy that we experienced this. It’s not all bells and whistles.

“After the first game everyone was on a high, it’s good to experience these things – especially as a young side.

“We definitely need to come back stronger on Sunday.”

While Duminy wants his team to bounce back in the decider, he also has one eye on much bigger goals later this Australian summer.

South Africa will also play five one dayers against Australia later this month ahead of next year’s World Cup.

“Especially with a World Cup coming up in a few months, the only way we grow is if we experience these pressure moments,” Duminy said.

“We were blown away (on Friday) and that just shows we need to make sure we arrive at the game ready for a fight.

“Australia came out fighting … they’re going to come with the same fire and enthusiasm in Sydney and we’re going to need to counter that.

“At one-all, it’s a great opportunity for guys to play under that pressure.”

Duminy was particularly impressed with Australian bowlers Patrick Cummins and Cameron Boyce, who spearheaded the MCG win.

Boyce was named man of the match for his 2-15 from four overs and Cummins only conceded 11 from his four-over spell.

“He’s coming back stronger (after injuries) and he’s someone we need to look out for,” Duminy said of Cummins.

“He (Boyce) bowled exceptionally well

“It’s not someone we need to take lightly – he’s got a few variations we need to look at and counter on Sunday.”