South Africa Ireland
The proteas decided to bat on a sluggish Dublin wicket. As expected, Irish bowlers proved their mettle on the deck that has a lot to offer to the bowlers. De Cock started strongly and got out playing in the same fashion. Mark Adair used his variations well and got rid of De Cock and Janeman Malan in quick succession. Soon after that Bavuma fell prey to Simi Singh and South Africa looked like in trouble once again.
Makran and Russie Van Der Dussen stitched a partnership and made sure that South Africa will post a par total. Wickets kept tumbling but whoever came chipped in and that ensured that South Africa have more than a competitive total on the board to defend.
Paul Stirling started with a six but got out the next ball and it was wickets and wickets post that. Shamsi again was the best performer as his variations trapped many Irish players and Ireland was out of the contest after the 10 overs. If one positive that Ireland can take from this match is the last wicket stand of 44 not out. Joshua Little and Barry McCarthy held their end and also took on the bowlers along with milking singles.
This partnership and Simi Singh’s bowling were 2 positive that Ireland can take with them from this match. The next 2 matches will be held in Belfast and hope to see some positive cricket from Ireland who played exceptionally in the ODI series. They haven’t played T20I in the last 18 months and that showed in their approach.
They have enough turnaround time and by then they can try and improve their approach. There’s no shortage of talent in this Irish side and if they get to play with many top teams in the years to come, they will register their name among the major teams. South Africa on the other hand many positives but couldn’t take that last 1 wicket will hurt them. They tried almost everything but couldn’t even create chances.
South African openers haven’t been fired for a while and they should try to rectify that problem as their middle order is looking strong. South Africa was also a little lethargic in the field and their coach might have a word with them about that. South Africans have always been good fielders but today their ground fielding was an absolute blunder.