After losing the first T20 match against South Africa at Kingsmead in Durban, New Zealand have their task cut out as they face the Proteas in the second and final T20 match at Centurion on Sunday.
The Black Caps are required to come up with an improved performance in the second T20 if they are to draw the two-match series level.
To be fair, the Black Caps' top order did look good in the first T20 match, with Martin Guptill, Kane Williamson and George Worker scoring crucial runs, but their middle and lower-middle order collapsed.
New Zealand did miss the services of Ross Taylor, who is out with an injury, in the middle order.
They were 102 for 2 in the 13th over, but could not sustain the momentum as they scored only 49 runs in the last seven overs despite having 8 wickets in hand.
However, one also needs to credit South Africa whose bowlers put up a splendid performance in the middle and the final overs.
Still, New Zealand should have done better with the bat as there were no major demons in the pitch to make batting difficult, as was evident from the way South Africa chased the target of 151 runs with ease.
Rilee Rossouw was the hero, as he took the attack to the New Zealand bowlers with a cameo knock of 38 runs from 20 balls. The left hander came to bat at number four though he can open the innings as well.
"I'm prepared to bat wherever the coach and the captain need me depending on the situation. I feel that I'm well prepared for any situation; I've batted six and I have opened the batting so I'm quite experienced in those areas, I'm happy to bat where I'm needed on the day," Cricket SA official website quoted Rossouw as saying.
"Last night the guys needed me at four, that's where I slotted in and did my job," he added.
"If I'm needed to come in at the end to hit a quick 30 off a few balls I'm capable of doing that and I back myself and my abilities to do that. If I have to bat six in the next game I will accept it with arms wide open, as long as the captain and coach are happy," he said.
Apart from Rossouw's batting, it will be interesting to note where AB de Villiers bats. It would depend, to a large extent, on Faf du Plessis, as he is injured. If he recovers in time for the match, one could see de Villiers keeping wickets as well as open the innings.
New Zealand will not want the dangerous de Villiers to open as he is capable of changing the course of the game in a matter of minutes. The visitors need to win the second T20 and gather some confidence, with the T20 World Cup in India gradually inching closer.
Where to Watch Live
South Africa vs New Zealand 2nd T20 has been scheduled for 2pm local time (5:30pm IST, 1pm BST, 8pm ET) start, with live TV coverage in India on Ten Cricket with live streaming option on tensports.com.
Viewers in South Africa can watch the complete action on Supersport, while Pakistani cricket fans can watch the South Africa vs New Zealand 2nd T20 live on Geo Super Live.
US viewers have the luxury of watching the South Africa vs New Zealand 1st T20 live on Willow TV with live streaming option on Willow TV Online.
