The highly anticipated T20I series – Ireland vs South Africa is set to commence in 2024, bringing together two teams eager to make their mark in international cricket. Scheduled to take place at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, the series comprises two T20 matches, offering fans a thrilling display of talent and competition. As both teams gear up for this encounter, they aim to build momentum ahead of their subsequent ODI series.
Ireland vs South Africa Series Schedule
- 1st T20I: September 27, 2024 (Friday) at 9:00 PM IST
- 2nd T20I: September 29, 2024 (Sunday) at 9:00 PM IST
- Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Recent Encounters
Historically, South Africa has dominated the T20I format against Ireland, winning all five matches they have played against each other. The last meeting between the two teams took place during the 2023 T20 World Cup, where South Africa secured a comfortable victory. Meanwhile, Ireland seeks to turn the tide and claim their first victory against the Proteas in this format.
Recent Performances
Ireland: The Irish team recently faced disappointment at the T20 World Cup 2024, exiting at the group stage. However, they are keen to regroup and showcase their resilience against a strong South African side.
South Africa: The Proteas are looking to bounce back after a whitewash against the West Indies in their previous T20I series. Despite their disappointing run, South Africa remains a formidable team with a wealth of experience and firepower.
Ireland vs South Africa Squads
Ireland
- Paul Stirling (c) – Batting Allrounder
- Ross Adair – Top-order Batter
- Mark Adair – Bowling Allrounder
- Curtis Campher – Allrounder
- Gareth Delany – Batting Allrounder
- George Dockrell – Allrounder
- Fionn Hand – Bowling Allrounder
- Graham Hume – Bowler
- Matthew Humphreys – Bowler
- Neil Rock – Wicketkeeper Batter
- Harry Tector – Middle-order Batter
- Lorcan Tucker – Wicketkeeper Batter
- Ben White – Bowler
- Craig Young – Bowler
South Africa
- Aiden Markram (c) – Opening Batter
- Ottneil Baartman – Bowler
- Matthew Breetzke – Batter
- Nandre Burger – Bowler
- Bjorn Fortuin – Bowler
- Reeza Hendricks – Opening Batter
- Patrick Kruger – Batting Allrounder
- Wiaan Mulder – Allrounder
- Lungi Ngidi – Bowler
- Nqabayomzi Peter – Bowler
- Ryan Rickelton – Wicketkeeper Batter
- Andile Simelane – Allrounder
- Jason Smith – Top-order Batter
- Tristan Stubbs – Batter
- Lizaad Williams – Bowler
Where to watch Ireland vs South Africa live:
Fans can catch all the action of the Ireland vs South Africa T20I series through various platforms:
- India: Live streaming available on FanCode
- Republic of Ireland and UK: Matches will be shown on TNT Sports
- Sub-Saharan Africa: Available on SuperSport
- Pakistan: Watch on Tapmad
- MENA Countries: Available on Etisalat
- Rest of the World: Streaming on the Cricket Ireland Live YouTube Channel
As the Ireland vs South Africa T20I series approaches, both teams have everything to prove. Ireland looks to capitalize on their home-grown talent and recent learnings, while South Africa aims to redeem themselves and reclaim their stature in T20 cricket. Fans can expect an electrifying series filled with thrilling moments and standout performances.
Ireland vs South Africa T20I Series 2024: Full Overview
The 2024 T20I series between Ireland and South Africa ended in a historic 1-1 draw, with both teams showcasing moments of brilliance. The two-match series was played in Abu Dhabi and saw a dramatic turn of events as Ireland claimed their first-ever T20I victory over South Africa.
1st T20I – South Africa Dominates
South Africa dominated the opening game of the series. Ireland batted first and set a total of 171/7, with key contributions from their top order. Captain Paul Stirling scored 40 runs, and Curtis Campher added 34. Despite their efforts, South Africa’s bowling, led by Patrick Kruger (4 wickets for 31 runs), kept Ireland’s score in check.
In response, South Africa chased down the target comfortably, thanks to Ryan Rickelton’s blistering 76 off 48 balls. His innings, supported by Matthew Breetzke’s 38, guided South Africa to a victory by 8 wickets with 10 balls remaining.
- Result: South Africa won by 8 wickets.
2nd T20I – Ireland Makes History
The second T20I saw a remarkable turnaround as Ireland made history by defeating South Africa for the first time in a T20 international. Ross Adair stole the spotlight with a scintillating century, becoming only the third Irish player to score a T20I hundred. Adair’s 100 off 58 balls, along with Stirling’s 52, set up a strong total of 195/6 for Ireland.
South Africa’s chase looked promising with half-centuries from Reeza Hendricks (51) and Matthew Breetzke (51). However, Ireland’s bowlers, led by Mark Adair (4/31) and Graham Hume (3/25), managed to hold off South Africa. The Proteas fell short, finishing at 185/9, giving Ireland a memorable 10-run victory
- Result: Ireland won by 10 runs.
Key Performers in Ireland vs South Africa
- Ireland:
- Ross Adair: His match-winning century (100 off 58 balls) in the second T20I was the highlight of the series. Adair also combined with Paul Stirling to form a 137-run opening partnership in the second game.
- Mark Adair: Took 4 crucial wickets in the second T20I, ensuring Ireland defended their total.
- South Africa:
- Ryan Rickelton: Top-scored in the first T20I with 76 runs off 48 balls, playing a pivotal role in South Africa’s victory.
- Patrick Kruger: Bowled brilliantly in the first T20I, taking 4 wickets and restricting Ireland to 171/7.
Significance of Ireland’s Victory
This win was Ireland’s first-ever T20I victory over South Africa. It was a major boost for the Irish team as they continue to establish themselves in international cricket. Captain Paul Stirling praised his team’s performance, especially Ross Adair’s incredible century, and expressed excitement for the team’s growing confidence.
The Ireland vs South Africa series concluded with a well-deserved 1-1 draw, setting the stage for their upcoming ODI series.