Abu Dhabi : South Africa defeated Ireland by 8 wickets at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi in 1st T20I to lead the 2 match T20I Series 1-0. Ryan Rickelton’s 76 (48) helped the Proteas ease past the total.
Chasing 172 runs, Ryan Rickelton (76), Reeza Hendricks (51) went off to a flying start, building a partnership of 136 runs in 13 overs.
After their departure in respective overs, Matthew Breetzke (19*) & skipper Aiden Markram (17*) guided South Africa to a magnificent 8 wickets win, chasing down the total in 17.4 overs.
In 1st innings, Ireland, powdered by handy knocks of Curtis Campher (49) & Neil Rock (37) helped them reach 171-8 (20).
Protean pacer Patrick Kruger with a spell of 4/27 helped them prevent Ireland from getting any bigger totals.
Rickelton was adjourned the Man Of The Match for his heroics.
Both the teams will meet each other on September 29 at the same venue for 2nd and last T20I.
Brief Scorecard :
1st Innings :
Ire : 171-8 (20)
Curtis Campher : 49 (36)
Sa
Patrick Kruger : 4/27
2nd Innings :
Sa : 174-2 (17.4)
Ryan Rickelton : 76 (48)
Reeza Hendricks : 51 (33)
Result : South Africa win by 8 Wickets
