The Proteas top order fired but it was in vain as they went down by 10 runs to Ireland in the second T20 International (T20I), in Abu Dhabi, on Sunday.
The sides drew the two-match series 1-1.
Set a mammoth 196 for victory after Proteas skipper Aiden Markram won the toss and chose to bowl first, openers Ryan Rickelton and Reeza Hendricks set the tone for a strong South African chase.
When Rickelton was out for 36 from 22 balls having struck four sixes and one four, the Proteas had raced to 50 in 5.2 overs. Rickelton was out when he was caught at a diving square leg by Curtis Campher off the bowling of Graham Hume.
Not meant to be for the Proteas in Abu Dhabi 👇
— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) September 29, 2024
The series is levelled as Ireland win the 2nd T20I by 10 runs 🏏#WozaNawe | #IREvSA pic.twitter.com/tX4lzOLpoA
Strong stand
The strike brought together Hendricks and Matthew Breetzke. Both shared the top score of 51 as they moved the Proteas score to 121 after 12.2 overs for a stand of 72 in seven overs, to keep up with the required rate. However, when Hendricks after 32 balls having struck six fours and one six it signalled a procession of wickets.
Though Breetzke remained until the 19th over to keep the Proteas in the chase, no other South African batsman reached double figures - and just a little bit of support may have seen them over the line. Ultimately, Breetzke’s best score in his eighth T20I was not enough as the Proteas ended on 185/9 despite anchoring the innings with his 41-ball knock, which included three fours and two sixes.
Mark Adair was the pick of the Irish bowlers with 4/31 in his four overs.
Earlier, Adair’s brother Ross (100) scored an incredible century from 58 balls opening the innings to help Ireland post 195/6. Adair’s ton came off 58 balls, with five fours and an incredible nine sixes.
He was ably supported by skipper and fellow opener Paul Stirling, as he struck 52 from 31 balls with seven fours and one maximum
Wiaan Mulder was the only Proteas bowler to take more than one wicket, but he was expensive with his 2/51 in four overs.
Following the T20Is, the sides will begin a three-match One-Day International series starting at the same venue on Wednesday.