New Zealand beats South Africa by 68 runs in 2nd T20 to level series

New Zealand defeated South Africa by 68 runs in the second T20 at Hamilton to level the five-match series 1-1. Devon Conway scored 60, while Ben Sears and Lockie Ferguson shared six wickets as South Africa collapsed for 107

Hamilton: Devon Conway topped all scorers with 60 as New Zealand beat South Africa by 68 runs in the second Twenty20 to level their five-match series at 1-1 on Tuesday.

New Zealand made 175-6 after being sent in on a pitch which became trickier as the evening wore on.

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South Africa was bowled out for 107 in 15.3 overs as pacers Ben Sears and Lockie Ferguson shared six wickets. Batters struggled for timing on a pitch which provided variable pace and bounce, and all 10 South Africa wickets fell to catches.

South Africa lost its last six wickets for 40 runs, and only George Linde stood against the collapse, scoring 33 from 12 balls with three fours and three sixes.

Sears, New Zealand’s travelling reserve at the recent T20 World Cup, took 3-14. Ferguson claimed 3-16, dismissing Linde to end the innings.

South Africa captain Keshav Maharaj admitted his side lost its way with the bat, saying dew made the wicket tougher. “I’ll take it on my chin. The way New Zealand bowled really stifled us up front,” he said.

New Zealand began strongly with Conway scoring square of the wicket and Tom Latham using ramp shots for a six and a four over fine leg. They were 43-0 after the powerplay and 81-2 after 10 overs.

Nick Kelly (21) and Mitchell Santner (20) added useful runs before Conway fell after holding one end for most of the innings. Josh Clarkson cameoed with 26 from nine balls, and he and Cole McConchie added 24 runs from the last over bowled by Maharaj.

The third international will be played in Auckland on Friday.