In an interesting match at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Ireland stepped aside South Africa He leveled the two-match series at 1-1 with 10 runs in the second T20I. The match was a must-win for Ireland after losing the first T20I and it showcased both the resilience of the Irish team and the exceptional talent of their players, especially Matthew Humphreys and Ross Adair.
Definitive dismissal of Matthew Humphreys
Drama ensued in the 14th over of South Africa’s innings when Humphreys unleashed a stunning spell of spin bowling. He cleaned up the South African skipper Aiden MarkramTrying to take control of the match. Attempting a premeditated reverse sweep, Markram misjudged the delivery, which turned sharply and went off stump after hitting his pad. Markram’s dismissal came after just 8 runs from 5 balls, a critical blow to the Proteas’ 196. Humphreys’ bowling was crucial, showcasing his skill and marking a landmark moment in the match.
Here is the video:
YESSSSS!!!
Matthew Humphreys clears Aiden Markram!
South Africa need 66 runs from 38 balls
▪️ Ireland 195-6 (20 wickets)
▪️ South Africa 130-3 (13.4 overs)SCORE: https://t.co/DORHHXP6pc
MATCH SCHEDULE: https://t.co/sKRI98cTxO
WATCH: ROI/UK: TNT Sports 4
WATCH ELSEWHERE:… pic.twitter.com/dd4NLKevXh– Cricket Ireland (@cricketireland) September 29, 2024
Also READ: 5 South African players to watch out for in T20 Women’s World Cup 2024
Historic win for Ireland
Batting first, Ireland set a mammoth target of 196 runs, ending their innings at 195/6 in 20 overs. Ross was an outstanding performer who destroyed a remarkable century. He hit 100 runs off just 58 balls, including 5 fours and an impressive 9 sixes, achieving a strike rate of 172.41. Adair’s explosive knock laid a solid foundation for Ireland and put them in a strong position against the Proteas.
In reply, South Africa fought bravely but managed to score 185 runs in no time for the loss of 9 wickets. Both of them Reeza Hendricks and Matthew Bretzke contributed significantly to the chase, scoring half-centuries each. However, their efforts were stifled, especially by Ireland’s bowlers Mark AdairThe standout with the ball, taking 4 wickets in 4 overs and conceding a total of 31 runs.
This win marks a significant milestone for Irish cricket as it was their first win over South Africa in T20I cricket. Ross’s century earned him the Man of the Match award and his performance combined with the bowling heroics of Mark and Humphreys ensured that Ireland leveled the series.
With the series tied at 1-1, the two teams now turn their attention to a three-match ODI seriesIt starts on Wednesday, October 2. Both sides will be keen to carry their momentum into the 50-over format, with the tour promising more exciting cricketing action.
