South Africa’s batsmen struggled to push on as they strung together 165/7 in 20 overs in the first T20I against Ireland.

Ireland won the toss at Malahide and opted to bowl first, on what appeared to be a slightly two-paced track. The hosts loaded up on their bowling choices, while the Proteas named 6 specialist batters in their XI.

Bavuma and de Kock began the innings with fluency and aggression. However, De Kock’s aim to keep the pressure on the Irish bowlers was his own undoing, as he poorly timed a drive to mid-off. Janneman Malan fell in the fourth over, and following Bavuma’s departure in the very next over, South Africa was in a tough predicament.

The surface progressively became slower, as the cutters from Mark Adair and Josh Little held up and stifled the Proteas batters. Rassie van der Dussen found the fence for SA 4 overs later, but right when his knock was starting to look threatening, he failed to middle a drive, offering a straightforward catch for Balbirnie at cover.

Aiden Markram began to accelerate in the middle overs, but it was a similar situation for him as well. In the pursuit of a slog over midwicket, he lost his shape and was stumped. Simi Singh accounted for the dismissals of Bavuma and Markram, and bowled a superbly economical spell to boot.

David Miller and George Linde had the task of finishing the innings on a high, but Linde couldn’t really get going. He ended up tamely offering a catch to long-off, and Miller’s potential onslaught was cut short as he edges to the keeper. However, it was a serendipitous last over, as Rabada found the boundary in each of the first 4 deliveries.

The Proteas have posted 165/7, which is quite similar to the scores we’ve seen in the previous series. But knowing that Ireland is well aware of the conditions on offer, they’ll have to bowl accurately and eye wickets regularly if they’re going to decisively win this game. Stay tuned for the chase!

South Africa 165/7 (Markram 39, Miller 28 – Adair 4-0-39-3, Singh 4-0-19-2)