IRE VS SA 1ST T20I

Right then. That's it from the coverage of this game. The Proteas have a take a 1-0 lead in this two-match T20I series. These two will cross swords again in the final game of the series on 5th August, 2022. The first ball will be bowled at 11 pm IST (5.30 pm GMT). But as you all know you can join us early for the build-up. Until then, take care and goodbye.

Keshav Maharaj, the victorious stand-in skipper is in for a chat. He says that David Miller woke up with a niggle and he was unable to take the field today. Says the boys played well and the win is the cherry on the top. Admits that the reserve players are performing well as they did against England as well and this will only prove to be a headache for the coaches. He says that they knew they had a good total on the board but Lorcan Tucker and George Dockrell played really well. Credits the bowlers for doing well to restrict Ireland towards the end. Says they will be taking rest the following day.

Andy Balbirnie, the Ireland skipper, is in for a chat. He starts by saying in T20I games these days 200 is expected to be chased down. Feels they were in the game for a long but losing two set batters on consecutive deliveries took the game away from them. Says that they have proven to perform well against these top side but it only depends on how they close these games and hopes they are able to change their fortune by levelling the series.

Reeza Hendricks wins the PLAYER OF THE MATCH award for his incredible knock. He says that he has been working really hard for weeks and even years and that is helping him at this moment. He agrees to the fact that he is enjoying the English conditions. Says that they lost a couple of wickets early and Aiden Markram played really well to support him and set up the game. Admits that there is a lot of quality on the sidelines and it is good to see the players taking their chances.

Stay tuned for the presentation...

Earlier in the innings, South African innings was led by Reeza Hendricks with his fourth half-century on the trot in T20Is. He found a great partner in Aiden Markram and they managed to stable the ship for the side. Later, some hard-hitting of Tristan Stubbs and Dwaine Pretorius helped them to set a target of 212. During the chase, Ireland were in the game for a long time, but losing George Dockrell and Lorcan Tucker in quick succession took the game away from them.

It is the death bowlers that have managed to seal the game for South Africa here. Taking nothing away from the two spinners, who worked in tandem in the middle to tighten the screws but the way the seamers ended this innings was just outstanding. Wayne Parnell nailed five yorkers in the final over before getting smacked for a maximum, while Lungi Ngidi dominated with his slower balls. Tabraiz Shamsi, Wayne Parnell and Keshav Maharaj picked up a brace each, while the rest of the bowlers took a wicket apiece.

Chasing 200 and above always gets tricky in the shortest format of the game, although Ireland put up a fight right till the end. Both their openers departed inside the Powerplay after getting starts. The chances looked bleak after Tector slipped out on a timid score. It seems like Lorcan Tucker might be loving his new role at number 3 as he smacked 78 runs. He along with George Dockrell stitched a 86-run stand at the rate of knots. The Irish looked to be back on track but these two batters fell is quick succession which put them on the back foot yet again. It was tough ask for the tail-enders and they crumbled under the impressive death bowling of the Proteas.

Wow! This was a feast to be honest. A great game of cricket overall. South Africa did come out victorious but Ireland gave them a run for their money.

SIX! A great end to the innings by Barry McCarthy although in vain. Wayne Parnell serves this full and on an off stump line. Misses his yorker here as Barry McCarthy gets his front foot out of the way to pound this straight back over the bowler towards the long on fence for a maximum! There is a huge cheer from the crowd to see Ireland end with a biggie. South Africa have secured a 21-run victory.

Five dots in a row! Full length, wide outside off, even outside the tramline. Barry McCarthy shuffles way across but is unable to get any blade on it.

Incredible bowling from Parnell. He fires in full, wide outside off. Barry McCarthy tries to dig it out but he is late into his attempt.

Wide yorker, outside off. Barry McCarthy is unable to chase it.

Full length, wide outside off, angled across the right-hander. Barry McCarthy throws his balde at it but only connects with this air. Mathematically. Wayne Parnell has sealed the game for his side if he does not bowl any illegal deliveries.

Pernell fires in a yorker, outside off. Barry McCarthy tries to chase it but misses.

Josh Little is the last man in. Wayne Parnell to bowl the last over.

OUT! RUN OUT!! Some poor running between the wickets and Ireland are just collapsing here! Lungi Ngidi bowls this short and outside off, Barry McCarthy pulls this towards deep square leg and takes off for a single. They look for a second that is not there and Andy McBrine is far down the pitch when Barry McCarthy says no. Heinrich Klaasen does well on the boundary to collect the ball and throw it to the wicket-keeper right over the stumps. Quinton de Kock has all the time in the world to whip the bails off. Ireland have lost their ninth wicket!