The T20 format hasn't brought Ireland great success in recent times but they will take confidence from their ODI series exploits against the Proteas.
Ireland vs South Africa | 19 July 2021 | The Village, Malahide, Dublin | 17:00
To Win Match
Ireland 42/10
Tie 25/1
South Africa 17/100
Ireland
Ireland bring Kevin O’Brien back into the fold to bolster the firewpower available to the hosts. The big allrounder has retired from the other formats of the game.
The hosts are preparing to force their way into the World Cup’s Super 12s phase but will need to sharpen their short format skills.
Ireland are looking at this series as a chance to expose a wider pool of players to the international arena.
Shane Getkate comes into the group as well and like O’Brien he will add considerable power to the Irish batting which was steady if unspectacular in the ODIs.
South Africa
South Africa will also be keen to build towards the World Cup but this series might be more about getting into form than trialling combinations under pressure.
The Proteas haven’t brought separate squads but the final XI might look quite different from the team that played in the ODIs.
George Linde appears to be a big part of the Proteas World Cup plans, and he should return to the lineup and might even take the new ball.
World number one T20I bowler Tabraiz Shamsi is also likely to play as the Proteas won’t want him to lose any form ahead of the big games coming up in the next few months.
Verdict: South Africa to make the higher 6 over score 3/10
South Africa should have the edge here, but back them to get the higher 6 over score for a bit more value.
