In a thrilling contest at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Cricket Stadium, Ireland defeated South Africa by 10 runs in the second T20I to level the two-match series 1-1. This victory marked Ireland’s first-ever win over South Africa in T20 internationals and their second overall in any format. The Adair brothers, Ross and Mark, were the stars of the match, playing pivotal roles in both the batting and bowling departments.
Ross Adair’s maiden T20I century leads Ireland to 195/6
Ireland, opting to bat first, put up a competitive total of 195 for 6, thanks to Ross Adair’s sensational century. The opener scored his maiden T20I hundred, a 57-ball 100, which included nine sixes, the most by an Irish player in a T20I innings. Adair’s innings, coupled with captain Paul Stirling’s 52 off 33 balls, helped Ireland establish a strong foundation.
The pair shared a 137-run opening partnership, Ireland’s second-highest in T20Is. Stirling’s fifty was his first in 21 T20 internationals, a timely knock that propelled Ireland to a dominant start. However, the Irish middle order faltered after Stirling’s dismissal, with Ireland losing 6 wickets for 43 runs in the latter half of their innings. Despite this collapse, Adair’s century ensured that Ireland posted their highest-ever total against South Africa in the format.
South Africa’s chase stumbles despite Hendricks and Breetzke fifties
In response, South Africa gave Ireland a scare, with Reeza Hendricks and Matthew Breetzke both scoring 51 to keep the Proteas in the chase. Hendricks, coming off another half-century in the first T20I, anchored the top order while Breetzke notched his maiden fifty in T20Is. However, just when South Africa seemed to have gained control, the Irish bowlers began chipping away at their batting lineup.
South Africa required 108 runs in the final 10 overs with nine wickets in hand and 53 runs from the last five overs with seven wickets remaining. But the turning point came when Mark Adair, Ross Adair’s younger brother, dismissed the dangerous Tristan Stubbs for just 14, sparking a middle-order collapse.
Mark Adair’s bowling brilliance sinks South Africa
Mark Adair, known for his ability to deliver under pressure, was Ireland’s hero with the ball. He finished with figures of 4 for 31, picking up crucial wickets at key moments. After dismissing Stubbs, Adair returned in the 19th over, with South Africa needing 23 runs off the last 12 balls. He struck twice in the over, first removing Wiaan Mulder and then Breetzke, reducing South Africa’s chances of victory.
Graham Hume bowled the final over with South Africa needing 17 runs. He kept his composure, picking up two wickets and ensuring that Ireland restricted the Proteas to 185 for 9, sealing a 10-run victory.
Ireland’s first win batting first at Zayed Stadium
This win was significant for Ireland not only because it was their first T20I victory over South Africa, but also because they became the first team in eight matches to successfully defend a total at Zayed Cricket Stadium. The Irish bowlers displayed excellent death-bowling skills, particularly Mark Adair and Hume, who kept their nerves in the final overs.
The Adair brothers shine
The match belonged to the Adair brothers. Ross Adair, despite surviving multiple chances during his innings, played with composure and aggression, while Mark Adair’s late-game heroics with the ball sealed the deal for Ireland. Their performances made sure Ireland’s landmark victory would be one to remember.
With the series ending 1-1, Ireland not only leveled the contest but also showcased their growing prowess in international cricket, signaling that they are becoming a force to reckon with in the T20 format.
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