South Africa Seeks Redemption Against Ireland After Back-to-Back Losses

A week ago, South Africa’s first white-ball loss to Afghanistan in six games might have seemed like an exception. But after a second, more decisive defeat the next day, concerns grew. As Oscar Wilde might say, losing one game may be a misfortune, but losing two starts to look like carelessness. Now, with two T20Is and three ODIs against Ireland in Abu Dhabi from September 27 to October 7, South Africa seeks redemption.

South Africa's defeats can partly be attributed to under-strength squads. In the age of T20 franchise cricket, even contracted players aren’t always available, especially in financially constrained cricket economies like South Africa. The squad facing Ireland is similarly depleted, with only three players from the T20 World Cup final squad present. Yet, despite this, any loss to Ireland will still sting, as did the criticism following the Afghan series.

Ireland faces similar pressure after a poor T20 World Cup, where they lost to Canada. Both teams will be eager to bounce back in Abu Dhabi, but only one can claim redemption. With the heat of Abu Dhabi adding to the challenge, these matches promise to be a test of resilience for both sides.

Team News

Ireland: Andrew Balbirnie has been dropped after a poor T20 World Cup, with Lorcan Tucker set to open. 

South Africa: Several key players are missing, but captain Aiden Markram will lead a squad with fresh talent.

Where: Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi 

When: September 27 and 29, 2024, 7:30 pm Local Time