Adair brothers, Ross and Mark, played pivotal roles in Ireland’s historic maiden T20I win over South Africa at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi yesterday (September 29).
Ross Adair hits first T20I hundred
After being asked to bat, Ireland posted 195-6 on the board, thanks to Ross Adair’s maiden hundred off 57 balls. His blazing innings was studded with nine gigantic sixes. Captain Paul Stirling also chipped in with 52 in a valuable 137-run opening stand. Ireland were well on course to cross 200, but a late collapse saw them lose six wickets for 43 runs, meaning they set a target of 196 for South Africa.
In response, South Africa made a commendable start, with opener Reeza Hendricks scoring his second consecutive fifty (51) and Matthew Breetzke scoring another 51. Opener Ryan Rickelton also contributed with a brisk 36 off 22.
Sri Lanka’s 2-0 win over New Zealand boosted them closer to second-placed Australia in the WTC standings.
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) September 29, 2024
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Mark Adair puts a chokehold
They needed 23 off the last two overs with six wickets remaining. Mark Adair bowled a brilliant 19th, claiming three wickets for just five runs to turn the match in Ireland’s favour.
He dismissed Wiaan Mulder off the first ball before seeing the return of Breetzke in the third. The pacer later claimed Nqabayomzi Peter, finishing with impressive figures of 4-31. Graham Hume bowled tight in the last over, conceding just seven runs as South Africa fell short, finishing on 185-9.
This was a momentous win for Ireland, who marked their second overall victory against South Africa, with their first coming in an ODI in 2021. The two-match series was levelled 1-1. The two sides will now play a three-match ODI series starting in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday (October 2).
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