Ferguson credits adaptability for Hamilton comeback

From a crushing setback to a commanding comeback, Lockie Ferguson believes New Zealand’s resurgence has been built on one defining trait - adaptability.

Bowled out for 91 in Mount Maunganui, the hosts flipped the script with a gritty 175 for 6 on a testing Hamilton surface before sealing a 68-run victory over South Africa in the second T20I.

“I think more than anything, we talk a lot about the Black Caps adapting to conditions. It's not always as easy as it sounds but certainly when a wicket we expect to play well doesn't play as well as we think, it's important to try and work out what a good total on that is. Sometimes you don't get that right.

"But at the same time, I think (the Hamilton game) was a good example of us adapting very quickly. Probably I thought 175 was an outstanding total on that. Although Dev (Devon Conway, who top-scored with 60) probably not as fluid as he always looks, it was a challenging wicket and he got the runs that we needed and posted a great total," Ferguson expressed.

The second T20I also marked a personal return, after having briefly stepped away during his ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign to be with family following the birth of his first child. Ferguson relished being back in familiar conditions and watching the next wave of New Zealand cricketers step up.

“I really miss playing in New Zealand. It was unfortunate the start of the summer with an injury. I was really looking forward to quite a lot of T20 cricket at home. I love playing in New Zealand in front of the home crowd, conditions I'm used to," Ferguson said.

"So, yeah, stoked to get a game in last night. The bowling group as a collective were great. So they made my job a bit easier, the pressure from both ends.”

Sharing the workload with a fired-up pace unit made the return even sweeter, particularly watching Ben Sears make his mark with a three-wicket burst alongside him.

"Yeah, he (Sears) has still got more pace in him, I think. But look, he's bowling well. It's good to see him get some consistent training time with us overseas. He was working on his game every training session.

"I saw him running in hard and working on different change-ups, different lines, asking the right questions. And it's that development that we've seen in the last few years, which will stand him well in the next few years and as long as his career goes.

"But a pleasure for me to watch from side on, seeing him get extra bounce, scaring some of the batters certainly. And I'm looking forward to seeing how he goes at Eden Park in the third T20I too."

With the series level at 1-1, the attention now turns to Eden Park with short straight boundaries and an electric atmosphere, as Ferguson looks forward to the challenge.

"Yeah, it can be daunting playing at Eden Park for sure," Ferguson said.

"It's obviously a shorter boundary, straight. The crowd feels like they're right on your back. But the thing we get at Auckland is we get a great crowd supporting us. And we always have amazing games at cricket there. So I certainly love playing there,” he added.

Series schedule (T20I double-headers)

1st T20I - Bay Oval, Tauranga, March 15 (South Africa won by 7 wickets)

2nd T20I - Seddon Park, Hamilton, March 17 (New Zealand won by 68 runs)

3rd T20I - Eden Park, Auckland, March 20

4th T20I - Hnry Stadium, Wellington, March 22

5th T20I - Hagley Oval, Christchurch, March 25