Ireland vs South Africa 2nd T20 Highlights IRE vs SA 2024 Ross Adair hits century

Ireland Stun South Africa by 10 Runs in 2nd T20 in UAE

Ireland pulled off a remarkable 10-run victory over South Africa in the 2nd T20I at the Dubai International Stadium, UAE, to level the series 1-1. A brilliant all-round performance from the Irish side helped them defend a total of 195, as South Africa faltered in their chase, falling short by 10 runs.

Ireland secure their first-ever Men's T20I victory over South Africa to level the series.

Aided by standout performances from brothers Ross and Mark Adair, Ireland's men's team triumphed over South Africa, tying the two-match T20I series in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.

Ross Adair laid the foundation with his maiden international century, while Mark Adair's 4-31 with the ball sealed a dramatic 10-run win. Ross combined with Paul Stirling in a stunning opening partnership, guiding Ireland to a total of 195-6, their highest T20I score against South Africa and their 10th-best overall in the format. The 137-run stand for the first wicket was also Ireland’s second-largest T20I partnership, with Ross becoming only the third Irish men's player to score a T20I century.

Ross Adair's powerful knock of 100 from just 58 balls featured nine sixes and five fours. He joined Kevin O'Brien and Stirling in Ireland's exclusive T20I century club, delivering a commanding performance in only his 10th match. Stirling contributed a rapid 52 off 31 balls, marking his 24th T20I half-century, but his innings was overshadowed by Ross's brilliance.

In the first game of the series, South Africa’s openers dominated in a successful run chase, and they started well again, putting on 50 for the first wicket before Graham Hume dismissed Ryan Rickelton for 36. Reeza Hendricks kept up the momentum with a half-century before being removed by Ben White. South Africa were 130-3, needing 66 from 38 balls, when captain Aiden Markram was bowled by Matthew Humphreys.

Mark Adair and Neil Rock combined to remove Tristan Stubbs, but Matthew Breetzke’s half-century took South Africa to within 23 runs of victory with 12 balls remaining. Mark Adair then claimed three wickets in the penultimate over, including Breetzke, before Hume (3-25) finished the job, giving Ireland a significant win.

The two teams now shift focus to a three-match ODI series, beginning Wednesday at Zayed Cricket Stadium.

Ireland Men v South Africa Men, 2nd T20I, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - 29 September 2024

Ireland 195-6 (20 overs; R Adair 100, P Stirling 52; W Mulder 2-51)

South Africa 185-9 (20 overs; R Hendricks 51, M Breetzke 51; M Adair 4-31, G Hume 3-25)

Ireland won by 10 runs