Cricket Highlights, Sept 29: (2nd T20) – Ireland vs South Africa

IRE vs SA (2nd T20) – Highlights

In this article, we will discuss the thrilling second T20I between Ireland and South Africa, where Ireland made history by securing their first-ever T20I victory over South Africa. Played in Abu Dhabi, Ireland posted an impressive total of 195/6, driven by Ross Adair’s brilliant century. South Africa, despite strong contributions from Reeza Hendricks and Matthew Breetzke, fell short by 10 runs, with Mark Adair’s standout bowling sealing the win for Ireland in the final overs.

In the 2nd T20I between Ireland and South Africa in Abu Dhabi on September 29, 2024, IRE posted a competitive total of 195/6 in their 20 overs. In response, South Africa fought hard but fell short, managing 185/9 in their 20 overs. Ireland secured a thrilling 10-run victory, with key performances from their bowlers helping to defend the target and level the series.

IRE secured their first-ever T20I victory over SA, posting their highest total against the Proteas and successfully defending it in Abu Dhabi. This victory also made them the first team to win a match batting first at the Zayed Cricket Stadium after eight consecutive losses for sides batting first at the venue.

It was an all-Adair show at the crease and with the ball! Ross Adair lit up the scoreboard with a sizzling 57-ball ton, his maiden T20I hundred and only Ireland’s third ever – talk about family bragging rights! Meanwhile, younger brother Mark Adair bowled like a man possessed, snatching 4 wickets for 31 runs, turning the game into a sibling showcase as Ireland romped to victory.

Ross and Captain Paul Stirling set the tone with a brilliant 137-run opening stand, with Stirling breaking his 20-innings fifty drought by smashing 52 off 31 balls. Their explosive start had Ireland on course for a 200+ total, but a late collapse saw them lose six wickets for 43 runs in just 32 balls, finishing at 195/6. Despite the stumble, Ireland’s total posed a daunting challenge for South Africa, who faced chasing the highest T20I score at the venue.

Reeza Hendricks’ second consecutive fifty and Matthew Breetzke’s maiden half-century set South Africa on course, needing 108 from the last 10 overs with nine wickets in hand. However, Mark Adair’s key breakthrough in the 15th over, dismissing Stubbs with a wide, sparked a collapse. South Africa lost five wickets for just 25 runs, turning the match in Ireland’s favor.

Ross Adair’s innings was one of power hitting, but he had more than his fair share of luck. He survived multiple chances five in total including being caught off a no-ball by Lizaad Williams on 19. Further reprieves came when fielders dropped catches, and run-out chances were missed. Nevertheless, Adair capitalized on these opportunities, smashing nine sixes the most by an Irish player in T20Is and reaching his century in 57 balls.

The final three overs conceded just 19 runs, with Wiaan Mulder and Patrick Kruger also playing their part in preventing any further damage. Neil Rock, too early on a shot, was bowled by Ngidi, while Mark Adair was run out trying to squeeze out an extra run in the penultimate over.

Young spinner Matthew Humphreys, who had just turned 22, provided Ireland with a crucial wicket at a key moment. After conceding runs earlier, he bowled Aiden Markram with a well-disguised quicker ball, as Markram missed a reverse sweep, leaving South Africa’s middle order under pressure with 66 required off 39 balls. Humphreys ended with respectable figures of 1 for 30, adding to Ireland’s control of the game.

Ireland vs South Africa Scoreboard

Ireland –195/6 (20)

South Africa – 185/9 (20)

Result – Ireland won by 10 runs

Player of the Match – Ross Adair

Ross Adair

IRE vs SA Playing Eleven

Disclaimer: These Match highlights reflect the author’s insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the points discussed and form their own conclusions.

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