The Adair brothers were the heroes as Ireland recorded their first victory over
South Africa in men’s T20 cricket.
Ross Adair hit a sensational century as Ireland posted 195 for six batting first in Abu Dhabi.
Younger brother Mark then took four wickets, including three in the penultimate over, as Ireland won by 10 runs.
Ireland were well beaten in the previous six meetings between the teams in this format, but this triumph earned them a draw in the two-match series.
Ireland made an impressive start to their innings, smashing 59 without loss during the powerplay.
Skipper Paul Stirling and Ross Adair put on 137 for the first wicket before Patrick Kruger removed the former for 52.
Adair hit a 57-ball century that included nine sixes but was dismissed from the next delivery he faced to leave Ireland 174 for three in the 17th over.
They could only add 20 runs in the remaining 20 deliveries to set World Cup runners-up South Africa 196 to win the series.
South Africa came out firing, with opener Ryan Rickelton hitting four sixes in his 22-ball 36 while Reeza Hendricks and Matthew Breetzke both scored 51.
They looked on course for victory when they started the 19th over needing 23 from 12 balls.
But Mark Adair bowled Wiaan Mulder and dangerman Breetzke in the first three deliveries, then gave up four runs in the next two balls before ending the over by skittling Nqabayomzi Peter.
That left South Africa needing 18 from the final set of six and Graham Hume took a wicket while conceding only seven runs to secure a famous victory.
Every match from the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup is live on Sky Sports from October 3-20 with Australia aiming for a third straight title and seventh overall, and England seeking to triumph for the first time since the inaugural edition in 2009.
Sky Sports+ has officially launched and will be integrated into Sky TV, streaming service NOW and the Sky Sports app, giving Sky Sports customers access to over 50 per cent more live sport this year at no extra cost. Find out more here.
