ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Two brothers played key roles in Ireland’s first-ever Twenty20 cricket victory against South Africa on Sunday with a 10-run win in the second and final match of the series.
Ross Adair (100) hit his first international century in 57 balls before being dismissed the next delivery. Mark Adair then took 4-31 in four overs as Ireland drew the series 1-1.
South Africa won the opener by eight wickets.
Ireland posted 195-6 on Sunday after South Africa won the toss and chose to field on neutral ground in Abu Dhabi. The Irish held South Africa to 185-9 in reply.
Ireland captain Paul Stirling and Ross Adair gave their team a strong start with an opening stand of 137 before Stirling was dismissed at the end of the 13th over. Adair’s innings included nine sixes but his team slowed down after his dismissal in the 17th over.
Reeza Hendricks and Matthew Breetzke both scored 51 in South Africa’s chase. Opener Ryan Rickelton smashed four sixes in a 22-ball 36.
Mark Adair set up the victory for Ireland with three wickets in the 19th over. He bowled Wiaan Mulder and Breetzke in the first three deliveries, and claimed Nqabayomzi Peter at the end of the over.
Graham Hume conceded seven runs and also took a wicket in the final over before Ireland celebrated an upset win.
The two teams start a series of three one-dayers in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.
___
AP cricket: https://apnews.com/hub/cricket
Copyright © 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.
