New Delhi, India

Ireland went past South Africa by 10 runs, in a thrilling contest in the second and final T20I, at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, on Sunday (Sep 30) to earn their maiden win over the African nation in the shortest format. The Adair brothers, Ross and Mark, starred for the Irish camp as they helped their side close the series at 1-1 stalemate. SA won the series opener by eight wickets at the same venue on Friday (Sep 27).

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On Sunday, Ross' 58-ball 100, laced with 5 fours and 9 sixes, and skipper Paul Stirling's 52 starred for Ireland after they were put into bat. The opening duo laid the foundation for Ireland to post a big total of 195-6; their highest ever versus the Proteas. In reply, SA started off on a positive note as well with Reeza Hendricks scoring another half-century (51) in the series whereas Matthew Breetzke (51) also chipped in to keep the scoreboard ticking. However, the Proteas found it tough to keep up with the required run rate with no one from their middle and lower order touching the double-digit mark. 

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In the 19th over, Mark turned it around for his side with Proteas still in the hunt; needing 22 off 12 balls. He removed Wiaan Mulder and Breetzke in successive deliveries before dismissing Nqabayomzi Peter later in the over to finish with impressive match figures of 4 for 31. Graham Hume bowled an excellent final over, conceding just seven runs, as SA were restricted to 185 for 9, falling short by ten runs.

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This marked Ireland's second overall victory against South Africa in internationals, with their first coming in an ODI. The two sides will now lock horns in a three-match ODI series, starting on Wednesday (Oct 2) in Abu Dhabi.