Black Caps rally through late fireworks show to set Proteas competitive target in Hamilton

The Proteas have been set 177 runs for victory in the second T20I after New Zealand were restricted to 175/6 at Hamilton on Tuesday.

The Kiwis enjoyed a late charge through Josh Clarkson (26 not out off 9 balls, 2×4, 2×6) and Cole McConchie (18 not out off 12 balls, 1×4, 1×6) to lift the home team to a competitive total.

Clarkson was particularly severe on Proteas captain Keshav Maharaj, clubbing the left-arm spinner for 24 runs in the final over. 

🚨 Change of Innings 🚨

A couple of lusty blows at the death push New Zealand to 175/6, following a disciplined bowling effort from #TheProteas. 🏏👏

The job is half done, now it’s over to the batters to chase it down as we push for victory. 😎🇿🇦

📸: @PhotosportNZ… pic.twitter.com/tEi7NPmyse

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) March 17, 2026

Prior to the late pyrotechnics, the Proteas seam bowlers had managed to contain the Black Caps for the majority of the innings.

Gerald Coetzee and Ottneil Baartman were impressive again with figures of 1/28 and 1/31 from each of their four overs respectively, but it was new man Wiaan Mulder that made an immediate impact. 

Mulder, who came into the side for the injured Jordan Hermann, bagged 2/14, which included the big wicket of New Zealand’s top-scorer Devon Conway (60 off 49 balls).