New Zealand defeated South Africa by 68 runs in the 2nd T20I in Hamilton, with Devon Conway scoring 60 and Lockie Ferguson taking 3/16 to level the series 1-1.
New Zealand bounced back in emphatic fashion against South Africa in the second T20I, sealing a commanding 68-run win at Seddon Park in Hamilton to level the five-match series at 1-1. After being asked to bat first, the hosts posted 175 for 6 before bowling South Africa out for 107 in 15.3 overs.
Devon Conway anchored the New Zealand innings with a composed 60 off 49 balls, striking five fours and two sixes at a time when batting was not entirely straightforward. He found support through useful contributions from Nick Kelly, who made 21 off 12, and skipper Mitchell Santner, who added 20 off 14. The late push came from Josh Clarkson, whose unbeaten 26 off just nine balls, along with Cole McConchie’s 18 not out, gave New Zealand the finish they needed.
South Africa had moments with the ball, particularly through Wiaan Mulder, who picked up 2 for 14 in his two overs. Gerald Coetzee, Ottneil Baartman, Keshav Maharaj and George Linde all chipped in with a wicket each, but New Zealand’s acceleration in the closing overs shifted the game firmly in the home side’s favour.
In reply, South Africa never looked settled. The chase lost shape once wickets began to fall regularly, with the side slipping from 29 for 1 to 31 for 3 and then continuing to unravel under sustained pressure. Rubin Hermann made 19, George Linde hit a brisk 18, and Wiaan Mulder scored 16, but no batter went on long enough to threaten New Zealand’s total.
New Zealand’s bowlers were relentless. Ben Sears struck three times for 14 runs, Mitchell Santner claimed 2 for 19, and Lockie Ferguson returned to rip through the lower order, finishing with 3 for 16. James Neesham and Cole McConchie also chipped in with a wicket each as South Africa were dismissed well short of the target.
The result was a strong response from New Zealand after losing the opening match, and it has quickly reset the tone of the series. With the contest now level at 1-1, attention turns to the third T20I in Auckland on Friday.
