South Africa bounced back in style, producing a complete performance with bat and ball to beat New Zealand by 18 runs in the second T20I at Seddon Park and level the series 1–1.

South Africa opted to bat first after winning the toss in the second T20 International against New Zealand at Seddon Park in Hamilton, looking to reset after their heavy defeat in Mount Maunganui.

The Proteas Women stuck with the same XI, backing continuity as they build towards the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and focusing on rhythm rather than reacting to their previous defeat. Seddon Park usually provides a fair contest – good for batting once set, with early help for seamers – where 140–160 is competitive, but anything higher puts the chasing side under real pressure.

South Africa made a solid start and went on to post an imposing 177/5 in their 20 overs. Sune Luus provided early momentum with a brisk 31 off 21 balls, striking five fours and a six, sharing in a 62-run stand with Tazmin Brits as the Proteas reached 62/1 after seven overs.

Brits carried on to anchor the innings, bringing up a well-constructed half-century before falling early in the 13th over. She scored 53 off 43 deliveries, including five fours and three sixes, with South Africa well placed at 110/2 after 12.1 overs.

Captain Laura Wolvaardt held the innings together, batting through for 41 off 33 balls, but wickets fell at regular intervals around her, slowing the momentum as the Proteas slipped to 143/5 in the 18th over.

A late surge from Kayla Reyneke shifted things decisively. She produced a blistering cameo of 28 off just nine balls – clearing the ropes twice and finding the boundary three more times – to lift South Africa to a strong 177/5 and set New Zealand a target of 178.

South Africa struck early with the ball, as Annerie Dercksen removed Georgia Plimmer with just her third delivery to set the tone. While New Zealand stayed committed to an aggressive approach, the Proteas kept chipping away with wickets at key moments. Dercksen, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba and Nadine de Klerk all made early inroads as the hosts slipped to 72/4 after 7.3 overs, despite quick-fire contributions from Amelia Kerr (32 off 18) and Sophie Devine (25 off 18).

The pressure continued to mount through the middle overs. Khaka delivered a decisive blow in the 13th over with two quick wickets to leave New Zealand reeling at 106/6, before Mlaba struck in the next over to make it 107/7. Although there was some late resistance, South Africa remained in control.

Mlaba (3/27) and Khaka (4/27) led the charge, removing key batters including Jess Kerr (14 off 10) and Izzy Sharp (29 off 21) to shut the door on any comeback. A run-out eventually sealed the innings as New Zealand were bowled out for 159 in 19.1 overs.

South Africa claimed an 18-run victory to level the series 1-1.