New Zealand all-rounder Lockie Ferguson has attributed New Zealand's commanding win over South Africa in the second T20I to adaptability. Having suffered a massive loss in the first T20I, being folded for 91, New Zealand made a spectacular comeback, racing to a dominant 68-run victory on Tuesday to level the five-match series 1-1. At the heart of New Zealand's scintillating victory were Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson and Benjamin Sears, who contributed effectively in both batting and bowling departments. After being asked to bat, New Zealand posted 175-6, with Devon Conway top-scoring with 60 and Josh Clarkson giving a late boost, blasting 26 from nine balls.

“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," Ferguson said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

"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 said.

Defending the total, New Zealand bowled South Africa out for 107 in 15.3 overs as pacers Ben Sears and Lockie Ferguson shared six wickets. It was a blistering return for Lockie Ferguson, who missed the T20I World Cup due to the birth of his first child. Meanwhile, Ferguson also lauded Ben Sears for his brilliant spell.

"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. 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," Ferguson said.

"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," he said.