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New Zealand vs South Africa 2nd T20 Preview & Tips - Black Caps to bounce back in second T20 against the Proteas

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Ben Darvill
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  • South Africa lead the five-match series 1-0 after one game
  • James Neesham top scored for New Zealand with 26 from 21 in the first T20
  • Preview, stats & head to head
Jimmy Neesham of New Zealand (Getty Images)
Jimmy Neesham of New Zealand (Getty Images)

New Zealand vs South Africa 2nd T20 Preview & Tips


New Zealand were not good enough in the first T20 against South Africa as they were bundled out for a paltry 91 in 14.3 overs. 

South Africa's bowling unit dominated the day in the first T20 as the touring side cruised to a seven-wicket win. 

  • James Neesham is averaging 28.50 with the bat for New Zealand in 2026 
  • New Zealand have won four of their last six T20's against the Proteas (L2)

Head To Head


The Black Caps have won five of their last 10 T20's against the Proteas, with South Africa winning the other five. 

New Zealand Form 


New Zealand's top order collapsed in stunning style in the first T20 against South Africa as their top four batters were all dismissed for single-figure scores. 

With the exception of Jimmy Neesham (26), no New Zealand batter could score more than 15 runs in a woeful display of batting. At 36/5, the Black Caps looked like they would be lucky to reach 90 runs, and while they did go beyond this mark, they could only post a total of 91. Runs on the board are important but, with the Black Caps missing a number of key bowlers, defending a score well below 120 was always going to be a tall order. 

Despite this poor show with the bat, James Neesham still stood up for his part. While he came in at number seven in the first T20, I predict that Neesham will still see a good number of deliveries in a team that does not look particularly solid with the bat. 

With this in mind, I am backing Neesham to go beyond the 20-run mark as he helps the Black Caps to a battling win. 

South Africa Form 


South Africa were able to benefit from New Zealand's wobble with the bat as they needed just 14.3 overs to take all 10 wickets on offer. 

After restricting their opponents to 91 all out, South Africa needed to show some real resolve with the bat. Chasing a smaller score can see a side cruise to the win, but it can also ensure the pressure is piled on the chasing side in a game they should win. 

Despite slipping to 7/1 after 10 deliveries, South Africa were able to cruise to the win with seven wickets to spare. While the Proteas were able to secure a win in game one, I predict that they will have more problems to face in game two. New Zealand were not at their best and after suffering a big seven-wicket loss, I predict they will bounce back. 

Verdict

I am backing the Black Caps to level the series with a win as Jimmy Neesham scores 20+ runs once again. 

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Best Bet2: Neesham 20+ Runs Batter Milestones @-125.00 at Shuffle - 1 Unit
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