A determined Proteas outmuscled Ireland in the opening match of the series in Dublin to take control of the series.
The action moves to Belfast for the final two matches of the tour for South Africa’s Proteas, who have been on the road for some time.
Ireland vs South Africa | 22 July 2021 | Stormont Cricket Club, Belfast | 17:00
To Win Match
Ireland 42/10
Tie 25/1
South Africa 17/100
Ireland
Ireland need to start matches against the Proteas stronger, whether they have the bat or ball in hand.
In the series opener, Ireland’s start to their chase left them behind the game and played right into the hands of the Proteas bowlers.
Ireland’s power players weren’t able to get going in the opening match and much of their run-getting was left to the accumulators who couldn’t provide the surge in scoring they needed.
Paul Stirling’s wicket should be the one the Proteas prize above all as he is one man who could take the game to the South African attack.
South Africa
George Linde is shaping up to be a real weapon for the Proteas with the new ball, ensuring that South Africa maintain their powerplay dominance over most foes.
The team’s other left-arm spinner and number one ranked T20I bowler, Tabraiz Shamsi is in the form of his life, and just can’t bowl enough right now.
Another man in great form is Janneman Malan, although he missed out in the first T20I in tricky conditions.
Quinton de Kock will hope that more players can step up and help add impetus into the Proteas batting effort, with the wicketkeeper bat scoring far too many of the team’s runs.
Verdict: South Africa 17/100
The tourists will want to avoid any further upsets.
