Ireland started the second T20I with a bang but couldn't make it count as the Proteas fought back to claim a series-clinching win.
The dead rubber will afford the South Africans a chance to try out a few more options ahead of the fast-approaching T20I World Cup.
Ireland vs South Africa | 24 July 2021 | Stormont Cricket Club, Belfast | 17:00
To Win Match
Ireland 34/10
Tie 25/1
South Africa 21/100
Ireland
Ireland tried mixing things up to great effect in the second T20I, at least when it comes to bowling.
Paul Stirling would open both the bowling and the batting for Ireland and his performance points to his potential to make a huge impact with both.
Ireland must improve their ability to control the game once they have a handle on proceedings as they let the Proteas off the hook after restricting them upfront and dealing with most of their middle order.
It hasn’t helped Ireland that their big-hitters haven’t come to the party in the format where they have the biggest say, with Kevin O’Brien being particularly out of sorts.
South Africa
South Africa can thank David Miller for pulling them out of the fire with a superb counterattacking knock in the second match of the series.
Tabraiz Shamsi should be a shoe-in for the man of the series award after he produced another world-class effort in Stormont.
Shamsi’s spin threat was augmented by a great turn from Bjorn Fortuin, who delivered his best bowling performance in a T20I, doubling his career haul to date.
The huge concern for the Proteas continues to be a lack of runs for the top order and an over-reliance on Quinton de Kock to set the pace in the powerplay.
Verdict: South Africa 21/100
With the pressure off the Proteas should wrap up the whitewash.
