Ryan Rickelton relieved after scoring maiden Proteas half-century against Ireland

The left-hander struck 76 off 48 balls as the Proteas comfortably dispatched the Irish by eight wickets in the first of two matches in the shortest format.

The 28-year-old Rickelton had previously played five Tests, two ODIs and six T20Is before the Ireland encounter and had a highest score of 42.

The Lions batter looked at ease from the start of his innings under the lights at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium after the Proteas restricted Ireland to 171-8 in their 20 overs after captain Aiden Markram had opted to bowl first.

"It's a huge relief, to be honest," Rickelton said. "In our meetings prior to this match I mentioned it quietly with (Proteas coach) Rob (Walter) and Aiden that I was obviously just looking to get the first one (half-century) under the belt and hopefully break the shackles mentally more than anything.

"I didn't want to put too much pressure on myself but I'm stoked to get that out the way, and hopefully I can settle a few more things inside of me and take a bit of momentum to play the way I want to play."

It was the Proteas' second consecutive win on tour in the UAE after a consolation victory in the three-match ODI series that was lost against Afghanistan in Sharjah.

Markram's charges will now hope to close out the T20I leg with another win in the second game on Sunday before taking on Ireland in three ODIs next week.

Rickelton added: "It's been a tough tour initially. There are some bloody good players here. Everyone is just trying to find their feet, in testing conditions.

"The more we play, the more success you can have mentally, it eases you and you can gain some confidence in what you are trying to do."

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