Ross Adair’s crushing first T20I century was enough for Ireland to pull off a 10-run victory by way of a fine bowling effort of 4 for 31 by Mark.
While plaudits go rightly to Ross Adair, let's not forget this outstanding knock by the skipper!#BackingGreen ☘️🏏 pic.twitter.com/qTxdEypZjW
---Advertisement---— Cricket Ireland (@cricketireland) September 29, 2024
The opening stand between Adair and Paul Stirling yielded 137 runs. It helped Ireland win the game by scoring 195-6, which was the team’s highest ever score T20I score against South Africa and 10th highest in all the formats.
His explosive innings of 100 runs in mere 58 balls included nine sixes along with five fours—making Adair only third Irishman to score a T20I century, and the company includes names of Kevin O’Brian and Stirling himself .
Stirling, too, went in with a brisk half-century of 52 off 31 balls but was completely dwarfed by Adair’s brilliant batting.
"99. Here we go."
— Cricket Ireland (@cricketireland) September 29, 2024
And he went. And not only @GRAdair11, but the whole side lifted itself to this historic win. Great work, lads!
Get in, Ireland 🎉#BackingGreen pic.twitter.com/uOs0YPsmbQ
South Africa started well in their chase with a 50-run partnership for the opening wicket but then lost their main players in the form of Reeza Hendricks and captain Aiden Markram, letting the required run rate go out of control.
Matthew Breetzke played really well to score more than 50, but it was not enough for South Africa as Adair’s key wickets in the last overs coupled with some solid play by Hume helped Ireland in securing a big win.
"99. Here we go."
— Cricket Ireland (@cricketireland) September 29, 2024
And he went. And not only @GRAdair11, but the whole side lifted itself to this historic win. Great work, lads!
Get in, Ireland 🎉#BackingGreen pic.twitter.com/uOs0YPsmbQ
The two teams will now shift their focus to the three-match ODI series which will start on October 2 at the Zayed Cricket Stadium.
