Proteas cruise to T20 victory over Ireland in Abu Dhabi

By SABC Sport
27th September 2024

Reeza Hendricks and Ryan Rickelton made light work of Ireland in their first T20 International as they helped steer the Proteas to an eight-wicket victory with 14 balls to spare.

The pair put on an opening stand of 136 as they chased a target of 171/8.

Hendricks hit 51 runs from just 33 balls, including five fours and three sixes.

Rickelton, with 76 runs from 48 balls, played his part before going out through a soft dismissal after being caught at cover, as the pair scored at over 10 runs per over.

South Africa were left requiring just 34 from 37 balls and eased to the finish thanks to plenty of composure from Aiden Markram (17 from 12) and Matthew Breetzke (19 from 14).

The Irish had begun their inning by losing two early wickets but a third wicket partnership of 38 in 4.2 overs between Harry Tector (16) and top-scorer Curtis Campher (49 from 36) provided a solid base to build on.

Wicketkeeper Neil Rock (37 from 28), together with Campher put on 59 for the fourth wicket in 6.5 overs to move Ireland to 123 after 13.2 overs.

George Dockrell weighed in with 21 from 16 but South Africa restricted Ireland in the last five overs.