Ireland secured their first-ever T20I win over South Africa, posting their highest total against them and successfully defending it at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Cricket Stadium. This victory also marked the first time a team won batting first at the venue in the last eight T20Is.
Ross Adair stole the show with a brilliant 57-ball century, his first in T20Is and only the third for Ireland. Supported by Paul Stirling’s 52, the pair set up Ireland’s second-highest opening partnership of 137. Despite a middle-order collapse that saw Ireland lose 6 wickets for 43 runs in just 32 balls, they posted a competitive 195 for 6.
In reply, South Africa fought hard, with Reeza Hendricks and Matthew Breetzke both scoring 51. However, Mark Adair turned the tide, taking 4 for 31, including key wickets in the final overs to seal an 11-run win for Ireland. The victory saw South Africa crumble, losing 5 wickets for just 25 runs during their chase.
This memorable match also saw Matthew Humphreys, celebrating his 22nd birthday, claim the vital wicket of Aiden Markram, further putting Ireland in control.
Ross Adair’s innings were eventful, surviving multiple chances and benefiting from South Africa’s missed opportunities. Despite the lucky escapes, he hammered nine sixes, the most by any Irish batter in T20I history, as Ireland set a target South Africa couldn’t reach.
