Ireland achieved a milestone in T20 cricket by recording their first-ever victory against South Africa, winning by 10 runs in a tense second match at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. This win allowed Ireland to draw the two-match series after falling to an eight-wicket defeat in the opening game.
The star of the match was Ross Adair, who scored a dazzling century, his first in T20 internationals. His brilliant 100 from just 58 balls, featuring nine towering sixes and five boundaries, powered Ireland to a strong total of 195-6 in their 20 overs. His innings was well-supported by Paul Stirling, who contributed a quickfire 52, forming a crucial 137-run partnership with Adair, marking Ireland's second-highest opening stand in T20 cricket. Cameos from George Dockrell and Harry Tector pushed Ireland to their highest-ever T20 score against South Africa.
South Africa fought back in their chase, but Ireland’s bowlers, led by Ross’s brother Mark Adair, kept the pressure on. Although the Proteas made a promising start with Ryan Rickelton’s 36 and Reeza Hendricks' half-century, the middle order faltered. Mark Adair delivered a game-changing performance with the ball, claiming four wickets, including two crucial dismissals in the penultimate over. His spell turned the game in Ireland's favour, leaving South Africa stranded on 185-9 by the end of their innings, 10 runs short of their target.
The Adair brothers' outstanding contributions—Ross with the bat and Mark with the ball—played a pivotal role in Ireland's famous win. This victory not only marked Ireland's first triumph over South Africa in T20s, but also showcased their growing potential on the international stage as both teams gear up for the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
Looking ahead, both sides will now shift their focus to a three-match ODI series, which kicks off on Wednesday. South Africa, having recently suffered an ODI series loss to Afghanistan in Sharjah, will be eager to bounce back, while Ireland will aim to build on their momentum.