Cricket: Neesham upbeat on prospects for series

Jimmy Neesham scored 41 in Pretoria. Photo / Alan Gibson

It might not be the optimal way to attack a series but Jimmy Neesham reckons New Zealand's ability to get one-day series back on track after losing the first game should fill them with confidence.

New Zealand meet South Africa tomorrow at Potchefstroom, smarting from a 20-run loss in the first ODI.

"We've put ourselves in this position a few times in the last year or so, losing the first game of the series," Neesham said.

"We're well versed in what it takes to make those 1 per cent improvements and come back stronger. We've shown once we do get a look at teams we've found ways to improve and get an edge."

Unfortunately, Neesham's memory might not be as good as his ability with bat and ball.

Since the start of 2013, New Zealand have been involved in 13 bilateral ODI series, winning seven. Of those seven series wins, only two have been achieved after dropping the first game - the recent 2-1 victory over minnows Zimbabwe, and the 3-2 victory over Pakistan in the UAE last year.

Still, if the Black Caps believe that they are the masters of coming from behind, then all power to them.

It won't be easy, however, with a weakened line-up and a sense (albeit without televisual proof) that South Africa also left plenty on the park during the first-up win at Pretoria.

"The kind of intensity and the Protea fire that we always talk about was lacking," captain AB de Villiers said.

"If we had that kind of energy [in game one], it would have been a walkover and it wasn't. New Zealand were in the game and if you let quality sides in the game, they tend to win."

De Villiers was bemoaning a sloppy end, Neesham said New Zealand were disappointed with their slow start, taking just one wicket in the first 30 overs.

"We've always talked about getting wickets at the top and that sets you up for the rest of the game," he said. "Having a below-average start and pulling it back and not letting it get away on us was good.

"Three hundred was probably a par score and we put ourselves in position to get it but lost a few too many wickets towards the end there.

"We didn't play our best game but in the end we weren't too far off beating a very good South African side."

Neesham took 1-47 from seven overs, then stroked 41 from as many balls batting at No 6.

"It was nice to make a contribution. On the tour so far I've come in at the end of games and had to start hitting from ball one. It was nice to have a couple of overs to get my eye in," he said.