WATCH: Aiden Markram defends Proteas team selection after Afghani disaster | South Africa vs Afghanistan

Markram believes the Proteas selected the best possible team for the conditions in Abu Dhabi

Aiden Markram has defended the Proteas' team selection after their 62-run defeat to Afghanistan in the first T20I in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.

The Proteas made four changes to the team that beat Bangladesh in their final match of the tour, with Reeza Hendricks, Bjorn Fortuin, George Linde and Sisanda Magala all coming into the side.

However, the changes failed to have the desired effect, as the Proteas were bowled out for just 104 in pursuit of Afghanistan's 166/6.

Markram was asked about the team selection after the match, and he said he believed the Proteas had picked the best possible team for the conditions in Abu Dhabi

"We had a look at the wicket and we thought it was going to be a bit slower and turning, so we went with two spinners and two seamers," he said.

"We also wanted to give some of the other guys a chance to play, and we thought Reeza, Bjorn, George and Sisanda all deserved a chance.

"Unfortunately, it didn't work out for us today, but we'll learn from our mistakes and come back stronger in the next game."

The Proteas will have a chance to level the series when they take on Afghanistan in the second T20I in Abu Dhabi on Sunday

The match is scheduled to start at 2pm local time (10am GMT).