Amla positive after warm-up washout

South Africa will benefit from crucial time in the middle ahead of the Caribbean tri-series despite their warm-up match washout, batsman Hashim Amla believes.

Only 24.1 overs were possible during the second innings of the Proteas’ practice match against the West Indies Cricket Board President's XI in Port of Spain on Sunday, with the President’s XI reaching 3-127 in reply to South Africa’s 9-280.

"It was a really good sign that our bowlers got some time in the middle before it started raining. It was turning out to be a good game," Amla said.

"They bowled well. It started raining and the ball got really wet, but even then they bowled decently. Getting overs under the belt is the most important thing."

Speedster Kagiso Rabada showed no signs of rustiness, having taken a break after the World T20, taking 1-13, while Kyle Abbott (1-11), Chris Morris (0-18), Imran Tahir (1-15) and Aaron Phangiso (0-8) also looked sharp.

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Earlier, Amla impressed with the bat, scoring aggressive 92 from 83 balls, including 10 fours and one six, making a swift transition after his stint in the Indian Premier League earlier this month.

Chris Morris (31 off 24 balls), Kyle Abbott (43 off 38 balls) and Aaron Phangiso (34 off 34 balls) ensured the Proteas finished with a flourish, with 82 runs coming off the last 13 overs.

"It was a great outing for us," Amla said.

"When you come to a foreign country the most important thing is having time on the legs, especially some of the guys who haven’t played in a while.

"We put up a good total on the board, fortunately I managed to get some runs, and a few of the lower order batsmen as well which is quite handy."

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South Africa were without Faf du Plessis, who will miss the Proteas’ opening game as he recovers from a finger injury, Quinton de Kock, and captain AB de Villiers, who will shortly link up with the squad having played in Sunday’s Indian Premier League final.

Amla, among 11 members of the 15-player South Africa squad to have been in action in the IPL over the last six weeks, said he expected his teammates to make an easy transition between formats.

"I don't think (the difference between T20 and ODIs) is that big. The only thing is that you have a lot of time to set the game up.

"You have to remind yourself that there is a lot of time still left in the game, but it's a lot easier to go from T20s to one-dayers than from a Test match."