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Ontong backs SA to rebound

Hamilton - The Proteas will be looking to up the ante after their sluggish start, in the second T20 International against New Zealand at Seddon Park in Hamilton on Sunday.

The Blackcaps outplayed South Africa in all three disciplines on Friday and showed aggressive intensity which was the deciding force for the home team.   

Seddon Park is the same venue where New Zealand recently chased down a winning score of more than 200 runs against Zimbabwe, and it is also a ground where they have yet to suffer a defeat in four International T20's. 

The Proteas need a win to take the series to the final match in Auckland on Wednesday, and will need to stay focused against a Black Caps team high on confidence. 

“We have our game plans and Sunday is another game, New Zealand are obviously on a high and we have to come back strongly,” said Justin Ontong, after his heroic 32 runs off 17 balls. 

“That is how T20 cricket works, you have to bounce back, but the boys are ready for it and we just need to stick to our game plans and if it works on the day we will be victorious. One bit of brilliance from a player can turn the game on its head.”

Ontong proved his potential as the ideal finisher for the Proteas, and together with JP Duminy, managed to revive the Proteas’ first innings score.

The 32-year-old marked his return to the international scene with an impressive performance with the bat, especially when it came to reading the game situation under pressure. 

“I’m just happy that I can contribute, my approach depends on the situation that I come in on. If it requires you to just knock the ball around I’m able to do that but in T20’s you also have to clear the boundary, so that is also another side of my game that I’m working on.”

The match starts at 08:00 SA time.
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