Blackcaps level T20 series against Proteas as Conway and quicks dominate

The Blackcaps have bounced back from their disappointing game one loss to level the five-match series against South Africa at one-all.

It was a fine all-round performance at Seddon Park as they hammered the Proteas by 68 runs.

After being skittled for just 91 at Bay Oval, opening batter Devon Conway showed plenty of grit in game two, top-scoring with 60 in New Zealand's total of 175 for 6.

It was the 34 year-old from Johannesburg’s first T20 half-century against his native country and the 13th of his career in the format where he averages a very respectable 35.29.

Nick Kelly, in just his second game, chimed 21 off 12 balls on a pitch that was providing some help for the seam bowlers.

But it was all-rounders Jordan Clarkson and Cole McConchie who did the real damage at the death, blasting 24 runs off the final over bowled by spinner Keshav Maharaj.

McConchie finishing on 18 not out off 12 balls while Clarkson was unbeaten on 26 off nine balls including two fours and two sixes.

With a decent total to defend, the Blackcaps bowlers never let the Proteas get into the game.

Fast bowler Ben Sears, who was the travelling reserve at the recent T20 World Cup, was the first to strike in the fifth over, removing Connor Esterhuizen for eight off 12 balls.

The wickets continued to fall at regular intervals as the Proteas struggled to find any rhythm in their chase, Sears completing his three-wicket haul with two scalps in the 13th over.

Fellow quick Lockie Ferguson was playing his first game at home in over two years and came to the party with three wickets of his own.

George Linde was the only South African batter to provide any resistance, smashing 33 off 12 balls before being dismissed by Ferguson as the Proteas were all-out for 107 in the 16th over.

The series now moves to Eden Park for game three on Friday.