Defeating South Africa by 10 runs in the second Twenty20 international to level the two-match series at 1-1, Ireland achieved their historic day on Sunday in Abu Dhabi.
This became Irish cricket’s maiden victory over South Africa in men’s T20 Internationals. Adapting to the conditions, South Africa won the first contest by eight wickets in it.
In 58 balls Ross Adair completed 100 runs which is for an Irish player the only 3rd century in a T20 international scored, taking the team total to 195 runs with 6 wickets down at Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium while batted first.
While batting first, they were able to put up a good total of 195 runs thanks to a 137 run opening stand between stoic stirling and Ross Adiar who made 52 runs. Adair used a busy batting approach and showered the ball for nines pests and now is able to ergress with his Irish record holders of records as it toppled the 7 record than 8 holders greats.
It looked as South Africa would be able to bring down the target with batsmen up the order performing well.
Making 51 were Reeza Hendricks and Matthew Breetzke and 36 from Ryan Rickleton all but those plans came crashing on Ireland’s Mark Adair who bowled 4 overs took 31 runs for 4 wickets.
After South Africa scored 157 for 4 at one point, but after the key batsman Tristan stubbs was out for 9 runs, the collapse started and the innings ended at 185 for 9.
The two teams are rescheduled to take part in a series of three ODI matches in Abu Dhabi, the first of which begins on Wednesday.
