The Proteas' strong top-order performance was not enough as they lost by 10 runs to Ireland in a high-scoring second T20 International (T20I) in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, resulting in a 1-1 draw in the two-match series.
Chasing a daunting target of 196 after Proteas captain Aiden Markram opted to bowl first, openers Ryan Rickelton and Reeza Hendricks set a solid foundation. Rickelton smashed 36 off 22 balls, including four sixes and a four, helping South Africa reach 50 runs in just over five overs. His dismissal came when Curtis Campher took a diving catch at square leg off the bowling of Graham Hume.
Hendricks (51) then combined with Matthew Breetzke (51) for a 72-run partnership, taking South Africa to 121 in 12.2 overs. However, Hendricks' departure after a 32-ball innings that featured six fours and one six triggered a collapse in the middle order.
Despite Breetzke’s best efforts to anchor the chase with his career-best knock of 51 off 41 balls, which included three fours and two sixes, the Proteas fell short, finishing on 185/9. No other South African batsman reached double figures, leaving them just shy of the target.
Mark Adair was Ireland's standout bowler, taking 4/31 in his four overs.
Earlier, Ireland's innings were powered by Ross Adair’s explosive century. He scored 100 off 58 balls, hitting five fours and nine sixes to propel Ireland to 195/6. His opening partner, captain Paul Stirling, added 52 off 31 balls, including seven fours and a six. Wiaan Mulder was the only South African bowler to claim multiple wickets, finishing with 2/51 from his four overs.
The teams will now turn their focus to a three-match One-Day International series, starting at the same venue on Wednesday.