The second T20I between New Zealand and South Africa is set to take place at Seddon Park in Hamilton on Tuesday, with both teams entering the match with very different levels of confidence. South Africa, who are coming off a massive win in the opening game, will look to extend their advantage in the series; meanwhile, New Zealand will be determined to bounce back and level the series. The opening match in Mount Maunganui produced a surprising result, with New Zealand getting bowled out for 91 runs.
On the other hand, despite fielding four debutants, South Africa churned out a disciplined performance with both bat and ball, making an early statement in the series. For South Africa, the victory not only gave them a 1–0 lead but also boosted the confidence of the young players making their mark. For New Zealand, the focus will be on correcting the mistakes that cost them in the first encounter and bouncing back strongly.
Ahead of the second game, New Zealand have suffered a huge setback, with leg-spinner Ish Sodhi being ruled out of the remainder of the series after fracturing his thumb during training ahead of the opening match. There is, however, good news for the home side. Fast bowler Lockie Ferguson is set to return for the second and third matches of the series, providing a much-needed impetus to the side.
Head-to-head
Matches - 21
SA won - 13
NZ won - 8
NZ possible XI: Devon Conway, Tom Latham, Tim Robinson, Nick Kelly, Bevon Jacobs, Mitchell Santner, Jimmy Neesham, Kyle Jamieson, Ben Sears, Zak Foulkes, Lockie Ferguson
SA possible XI: Tony de Zorzi, Connor Esterhuizen, Rubin Hermann, Jason Smith, Dian Forrester, Jordan Hermann, Wiaan Mulder, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Gerald Coetzee, Ottneil Baartman