New Zealand vs South Africa 2nd T20I Highlights: Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson Propel NZ To 68-Run Win Over South Africa

That's a wrap - So New Zealand, with this win, level the 5-match T20I series at 1-1. They were outstanding with the ball and would look to build on it as the series moves ahead. Plenty to ponder for the Proteas after an off day in batting. Right. That's it from this game. The two teams will now head to Auckland for the third T20I. It will be played at Eden Park on Friday, 20th March, with the first ball scheduled to be bowled at 6.15 am GMT. But as always, do join us in advance for all the pre-match buildup and analysis. Until then, we sign off. Thank you for being with us. Take care, cheers!

Pleased to get a win on a tricky surface - The victorious captain of New Zealand, MITCHELL SANTNER, says it was a good performance. Details that it was tricky initially with the bat, but Devon Conway played brilliantly. Shares that he tried to bowl what conditions had to offer, operating on hard lengths and using a couple of tricks. Says that there was a lot more off the surface when he slowed up the pace. Tells there were some nice contributions along the way, and even at the end by Josh Clarkson, which helped them to get an above-par score. On the crowd support, Santner says it's good to be back home after a couple of months in India and looks forward to the support in Auckland.

Time to go back to the drawing board - The captain of South Africa, KESHAV MAHARAJ, reflects on the defeat. He admits South Africa came up short, adding that the conditions played a role with dew in the outfield but the pitch getting tougher to bat on, something he takes responsibility for. He feels the side has not made the most of these conditions and credits New Zealand for bowling tightly upfront and forcing them to take risks later on a tricky surface. He is pleased with the bowling unit, noting that they have been precise and disciplined over the last two games. Maharaj also highlights George’s late effort with the bat, saying it showed good self-belief and provided some positives despite the result. He adds that there are encouraging signs for the team, but they will head back to the drawing board ahead of the next game. Maharaj also appreciates the support from fans, calling it refreshing to see familiar faces backing the team wherever they play.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH - DEVON CONWAY wins the award for his fighting knock of 60 from 49 balls. Says that his approach is always to look for partnerships and keep it simple. Adds he tried to adapt to what South Africa were throwing at him, like Gerald Coetzee bowling from around the wicket with the new ball. Admits it was challenging not to be part of the World Cup in India, but had an opportunity to put his feet up and enjoy the boys in action. Mentions he knows this South African team as he has played a lot with these guys growing up.

... The Presentation Ceremony ...

The choke in the middle phase - With two new batters at the crease, Rubin Hermann and Jason Smith rolled up their sleeves to steady the ship. Just when the stand began to settle in, Neesham broke through around the halfway mark, removing Hermann and tilting things further in New Zealand’s favour. From there, it quickly unravelled for the Proteas as they slipped from 67/4 to 107 all out. Linde tried to spark a brief fightback with a breezy 33, but the Kiwis barged through the lower order, leaving him stranded at the other end as the tail folded. The mounting pressure of the required runs and no stable hand at the other end, ultimately proved too much to handle for Linde.

Crawling out like a turtle - South Africa’s chase got off to a wobbly start as both openers fell inside the powerplay, and the dismissal of de Zorzi left them reeling at 31/3. There was just enough mischief in the pitch to keep the bowlers interested, with the ball gripping and holding up with uneven bounce. This pitch made clean timing feel like a luxury as the bowlers mixed up their paces smartly to keep the batters at bay, and 176 began to feel like a pretty demanding climb.

A competitive total on the board - 24 runs from the final over changed the complexion of the game and handed New Zealand crucial momentum. It had been an imperfect outing for both sides until then, with New Zealand struggling to get going and South Africa looking a touch lacklustre in the field. On a slow surface, Devon Conway anchored the innings with a composed 60 off 49 balls, while a couple of 20s in the middle kept things afloat. South Africa’s pacers stayed disciplined and right on the money, but the hosts took on the spin. Maharaj and Linde conceded 78 runs in just 6 overs, and the decision to bowl Maharaj in the final over proved expensive. Conway’s graft, combined with Josh Clarkson’s late flourish, lifted New Zealand to a competitive 175.

Kiwis level it up in Hamilton - A comprehensive performance in every department from the hosts after a lackadaisical start to the series in the first match. They have outbatted, outfielded and outbowled the South Africans here, winning by a massive margin. It is also New Zealand’s first win in Hamilton against South Africa, having last lost to them at this venue back in 2012, which makes this result even sweeter as they draw level in the series.

OUT! TAKEN! Lockie Ferguson picks the final wicket. Excellent change of pace and change of line from Lockie. Bowls it short and into the batter on leg. Linde swipes across unconventionally and hits it to long on. Cole McConchie stationed there makes no mistake. THE KIWIS WIN BY 68 RUNS and level the five-match series, 1-1.