The top order for the Proteas blasted, but it was in vain as they lost the second Twenty20 International (T20I) in Abu Dhabi to Ireland by 10 runs on Sunday.
In the two-match series, the teams drew 1-1.
After Proteas captain Aiden Markram won the toss and elected to bowl first, openers Ryan Rickelton and Reeza Hendricks laid the groundwork for a formidable South African chase, setting a massive 196 for win.
The Proteas had accelerated to 50 in 5.2 overs when Rickelton was removed for 36 from 22 balls after hitting four sixes and one four. When Curtis Campher caught Rickelton at a diving square leg off Graham Hume’s bowling, Rickelton was out.
Not meant to be for the Proteas in Abu Dhabi 👇
The series is levelled as Ireland win the 2nd T20I by 10 runs 🏏#WozaNawe | #IREvSA pic.twitter.com/tX4lzOLpoA
— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) September 29, 2024
Strong stand
Hendricks and Matthew Breetzke were drawn together by the strike. To maintain the needed rate, they both shared the highest score of 51 while driving the Proteas score to 121 after 12.2 overs for a partnership of 72 in seven overs. But after hitting six fours and one six in 32 balls, Hendricks signaled a succession of wickets.
No other South African batsman reached double figures, despite Breetzke staying to the 19th over to keep the Proteas in the chase; a little bit more assistance could have been enough to get them over the finish line. Even though Breetzke led the innings with a 41-ball knock that contained three fours and two sixes, his best score in his eighth Twenty20 International was ultimately insufficient as the Proteas finished at 185/9.
Out of all the Irish bowlers, Mark Adair stood out with 4/31 in his four overs.
Prior to this, Adair’s brother Ross (100) helped Ireland post 195/6 with an amazing century off 58 balls to start the innings. Adair scored a century off of 58 balls, including an astounding nine sixes and five fours.
Paul Stirling, the captain and other opener, provided him with excellent support as he hit 52 from 31 balls with seven fours and one maximum.
The only Proteas bowler to capture multiple wickets was Wiaan Mulder, but his 2/51 in four overs cost a lot of money.
The teams will play three One-Day International matches commencing on Wednesday at the same location after the Twenty20 Internationals.
