Ireland vs South Africa, 1st T20I Match Summary

Paul Stirling, the captain of Ireland is in for a chat.

Aiden Markram, the captain of South Africa informs that they will bowl first. Informs that it looks like a good wicket with a bit more grass. Adds that he is happy to chase here. Mentions that they are focusing on getting the right result here. Matthew Breetzke gets a start here and adds that they are playing with double spin here.

Ireland (Playing XI) - Paul Stirling (C), Ross Adair, Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, Neil Rock (WK), George Dockrell, Mark Adair, Fionn Hand. Matthew Humphreys, Craig Young, Ben White.

South Africa (Playing XI) - Ryan Rickelton (WK), Reeza Hendricks, Matthew Breetzke, Aiden Markram (C), Tristan Stubbs, Wiaan Mulder, Patrick Kruger, Bjorn Fortuin, Nqabayomzi Peter, Lizaad Williams, Ottneil Baartman.

TOSS - The coin goes up and lands in favour of South Africa. They will BOWL first.

Ireland, on the flip side, had a disappointing World Cup and are playing after a couple of months’ break. Paul Stirling is leading a young side with their former skipper Andy Balbirnie being left out and Josh Little taking a break due to CPL commitments. Lorcan Tucker and Harry Tector will lead the batting lineup alongside their skipper Stirling while Mark Adair, Craig Young, and Ben White will be the key figures the bowling lineup. Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, and Gavin Hoey will provide the balance to the squad. With plenty of new faces eager to make a mark at the international level, the series promises to be an enthralling one. So, who are you backing to come out on top? We shall find out soon. Stay tuned for the toss and team news coming up shortly!

South Africa are coming off an ODI series loss against Afghanistan. The Proteas will want to put that behind them and start afresh in the shortest format. Aiden Markram continues to lead the T20 side with Reeza Hendricks, Tristan Stubbs, and Ryan Rickelton being the key batters in the squad. Ottniel Baartman, Bjorn Fortuin, and Lungi Ngidi will spearhead the bowling while Wiaan Mulder and Patrick Kruger will provide the all-round strength. South Africa will hope to start the series on a positive note and get a win. 

Hello and a warm welcome to our coverage of the two-match T20I series between Ireland and South Africa from the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. The T20 World Cup runners-up, South Africa, will want to give some young-guns a chance to build for the future while Ireland will want to show their mettle and cause an upset.  

... MATCH DAY ...

The stage is set for a thrilling T20I showdown between Ireland and South Africa at Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Zayed Stadium. Fresh from their ICC T20 World Cup runner-up finish, South Africa seeks redemption after a disappointing ODI series loss to Afghanistan. Aiden Markram leads a dynamic Proteas squad that blends experience and youth. Their batting lineup boasts Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Reeza Hendricks, and Matthew Breetzke, while the bowling attack features lethal pacers Ottneil Baartman, Lungi Ngidi, Nandre Burger, and Lizaad Williams, complemented by spinners Bjorn Fortuin and Nqabayomzi Peter. Ireland, on the other hand, captained by Paul Stirling, aims to pull off an upset. Their lineup comprises of a talented pool of players. Curtis Campher, Harry Tector, George Dockrell, and the rest would put in a perfect challenge to the Proteas but they will have to play some outstanding cricket to even put up a fight against the mighty Proteas. Can South Africa rebound from their recent setback, or will Ireland script a stunning upset? We shall find out soon.