South Africa came into the second T20I with momentum after comfortably winning the first match by eight wickets. However, their efforts in the second game fell short, despite bright moments from their key players.

Reeza Hendricks and Matthew Breetzke played crucial roles, both hitting 51 runs and setting a promising foundation at 157-3. But with just four overs remaining, the Proteas’ batting lineup unraveled. Captain Aiden Markram was bowled for 8 after a missed reverse sweep, marking the start of a dramatic collapse. The team’s decision-making in the final stages was chaotic, and Ireland’s clever fielding and strategic bowling intensified the pressure.

Rickelton contributed 36 from 22 balls, including four sixes, but his dismissal added to South Africa’s woes. Hendricks’ innings ended after 32 balls when a checked drive landed in Stirling’s hands, sealing a pivotal moment in the game.

South Africa’s bowling, too, lacked consistency, with the exception of Lungi Ngidi, who showed his control by conceding just 23 runs in his four overs. Wiaan Mulder and Lizaad Williams struggled to contain Ireland’s batters, and spinners Bjorn Fortuin and Nqaba Peter were heavily punished. While South Africa’s first T20I performance had seen a flawless run-chase, this time they crumbled under pressure, handing Ireland their first T20I win over the Proteas.

Ireland beat SA by 10-runs in second T20I to level series

Ireland’s Performance

Ireland showcased a stunning all-round performance, driven by a record-breaking century from opener Ross Adair. His 100 runs off 57 balls, supported by captain Paul Stirling’s 52 from 31, propelled Ireland to a challenging total of 195-6. Their opening partnership of 137 runs set the perfect tone for Ireland’s innings.

Adair’s century, which included five fours and nine sixes, was a standout moment in Irish cricket history, marking the third T20I century for the nation. He was nearly dismissed on 19, but a no-ball reprieve allowed him to continue and make full use of his fortune. Stirling, who added power to the opening stand, was dismissed after an attempted upper-cut but not before giving Ireland a strong platform.

The Irish bowling attack, led by Ross’s brother, Mark Adair, played a pivotal role in defending the total. Mark claimed 4 wickets for 31 runs, while Graeme Hume delivered key blows at the death, ending with figures of 3-25. Matt Humphreys also chipped in with a valuable 1-31, including the key wicket of Aiden Markram, which triggered South Africa’s collapse.

Ireland’s victory was a complete team effort, capitalizing on opportunities and executing a precise bowling strategy that outmaneuvered South Africa in the final overs.

Mark Adair emerged as the standout bowler, taking 4 wickets for 31 runs, while Graeme Hume and Matt Humphreys also shone with figures of 3-25 and 1-31, respectively.

Ross Adair’s innings nearly ended prematurely on 19 when he edged a pull shot to square leg, only to be reprieved by a no-ball from Lizaad Williams. Seizing his second chance, he crafted just the third T20I century for Ireland, joining the ranks of Kevin O’Brien and Stirling, who contributed a brisk 52 runs off 31 balls, hitting seven fours and a six.

Adair’s century was completed with an explosive six over square leg, which came from a chest-high full toss by Wiaan Mulder. Following this milestone, he added one more six before being caught by Breetzke at deep square leg.

South Africa’s batting lineup, however, fell apart dramatically after a promising start. Captain Aiden Markram’s dismissal for 8 after misplaying a reverse sweep marked the beginning of a shocking collapse from 157-3 to 185-9.

Rickelton’s aggressive 36 runs from 22 balls included a four and four sixes but ended when he mistimed a pull shot. Hendricks also fell victim to a sharp catch by Stirling, leading to further panic in the South African camp.

Mark Adair’s exceptional bowling performance was complemented by Hume’s accurate death-over deliveries that stymied the run chase, especially against Breetzke.

Though Ireland failed to maximize their scoring potential after a strong start, with George Dockrell remaining unbeaten on 20, their total proved just enough. South Africa’s bowlers, Williams and Mulder, were inconsistent, while their spin options struggled against Ireland’s opening duo.

The match’s outcome was a significant turnaround for Ireland, who faced a disappointing eight-wicket defeat in the first T20I at the same venue, where South Africa comfortably chased down 171 runs in just 17.4 overs.

Teams:

• IRELAND: Paul Stirling (c), Ross Adair, Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, Neil Rock (wk), George Dockrell, Mark Adair, Fionn Hand, Matthew Humphreys, Ben White, Graham Hume.
• SOUTH AFRICA: Ryan Rickelton (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Matthew Breetzke, Aiden Markram (c), Tristan Stubbs, Wiaan Mulder, Patrick Kruger, Bjorn Fortuin, Nqaba Peter, Lizaad Williams, Lungi Ngidi.