Ireland Stun South Africa to Secure First-Ever T20 Victory and Level Series
Ireland achieved a historic win over South Africa in a T20 match for the first time ever, leveling the two-match series with a thrilling 10-run victory in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.
Ross Adair led the way with a powerful century, while his brother Mark Adair shone with the ball, taking four wickets to secure Ireland’s triumph.
“We are absolutely delighted,” said Ireland captain Paul Stirling after their maiden T20 victory over the Proteas. “It could have gone either way.”
South Africa, who had dominated with an eight-wicket win in the first match, elected to bowl first after winning the toss, under the captaincy of Aiden Markram.
Ireland’s Dominant Start
Ireland’s openers seized control early, with Ross Adair and Stirling sharing a commanding 137-run partnership. Stirling fell for 52 in the 13th over, but Adair continued his onslaught, benefitting from several dropped catches by South Africa.
Adair reached his century in dramatic fashion but was run out attempting to stretch a single into a double on the first ball of the 18th over. His blistering knock of 100 included five fours and nine sixes.
Despite losing wickets towards the end of their innings, Ireland posted a strong total of 195 for six. Wiaan Mulder was the standout South African bowler, claiming two wickets for 51 runs.
South Africa’s Response Falters
South Africa began their chase with confidence, as Ryan Rickelton smashed four sixes in a quickfire 36 before falling to Graham Hume. Reeza Hendricks kept the momentum going, scoring 51 with six fours and a six, but the dismissal of captain Markram for eight, bowled by Matthew Humphreys, shifted the balance.
With South Africa still in contention after 13 overs, Mark Adair took over with the ball, taking four crucial wickets, including the dangerous Matthew Breetzke, who also made 51.
South Africa’s middle and lower order crumbled, with none of the last seven batsmen reaching double figures. They fell just 10 runs short of the target, finishing on 185-9 after 20 overs. Mark Adair ended with superb figures of 4-31, while Hume contributed with 3-25.
Match Summary:
Ireland 195-6 in 20 overs (R. Adair 100, Stirling 52, Dockrell 20; Mulder 2-51)
South Africa 185-9 in 20 overs (Hendricks 51, Breetzke 51, Rickelton 36; M. Adair 4-31, Hume 3-25)
Result: Ireland won by 10 runs
Series: Two-match series drawn 1-1
