South Africa batsman Colin Ingram is confident the Proteas will be able to avoid a series whitewash against New Zealand, saying they would fight back after losing the second ODI against the Black Caps on Tuesday.

The series win, two-nil so far, is New Zealand's first on South African soil, in any format, and while Ingram made a half century, the hosts were well below par in Kimberley and lost by 27 runs, mostly thanks to some terrible running.

The batsman, who made 79, said: "South African people don't like to lose at the best of times. A home series is massively disappointing to have gone down to New Zealand, so there is a lot of pride to play for.

"As an ODI unit, we want to get as many wins under the belt (as possible), and try to put some of our processes together."

Ingram denied the Proteas had taken the Kiwis lightly, adding: "I definitely don't think it was an underestimation. We've run into them plenty in the past, over many years, and they are always a very competitive unit.

"The culture in the squad is a work in progress and has been really good, I don't have much bad to say about the culture of the squad.

"We've seen some outstanding performances (from the Proteas) over the years and that has rubbed off onto our test team as well. There have been some new, fresh ideas and that's been really positive. It's a settled unit and a good bunch of guys."

As for the five run outs, equalling the record for such dismissals in one innings, Ingram said they hadn't 'choked' but rather needed to pay more attention to field placements.

He said: "Cricket is a hard enough game at the best of time and I wouldn't say we had a mental freeze. We probably just have to be slightly more aware of what fielders are where. New Zealand have got some outstanding fielders."

The third and final match takes place in Potchefstroom on Friday.