South Africa outplayed Ireland in the first T20I by eight wickets to maintain their unbeaten record. The two-match T20I series is officially a home series for the Irish team but the match was held at Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi due to logistical issues in Ireland.
After being put to bat first, Ireland scored 171/8 in 20 overs. Meanwhile, South Africa achieved the highest successful chase at the venue, which closely mirrored their home conditions.
In pursuit of a 172-run chase, Reeza Hendricks and Ryan Rickelton forged a remarkable opening partnership of 136 runs. This marked the Proteas’ third-highest opening stand in T20Is and their highest away from home. Hendricks (51 off 33) notched up his first half-century in 15 T20I innings, while Rickelton delivered a standout performance with a career-best 76, featuring three boundaries and six maximums, which was also his first international fifty. In the end, Matthew Breetzke (19*) and captain Aiden Markram (17*) guided South Africa to win with 14 balls to spare. Craig Young and Mark Adair contributed one wicket each for the hosts.
Ross Adair, who stepped in for the injured Lorcan Tucker, made an immediate impact in the first innings. He hit Lizaad Williams’ short ball over mid-on for the first boundary and continued to score. After scoring 10 runs off Williams’ opening over he smashed Wiaan Mulder for a boundary over his head. When he attempted to continue his aggressive approach, Mulder quickly responded by sending him back for 18 runs. Ottneil Baartman then made an impact by dismissing Paul Stirling with a delivery which angled in sharply through the gap between bat and pad.
Meanwhile, Curtis Campher, playing in his 100th international for Ireland, then anchored the innings. Unfortunately, he was dismissed by Patrick Kruger, just one run short of reaching his half-century. Wicketkeeper-batter Neil Rock also contributed 37 runs off 28 balls which helped Ireland achieve a competitive total. Kruger emerged as standout bowler for the Proteas, finishing with figures of 4/27 in his allotted quota.
