Ireland vs South Africa in UAE

1st T20I: IRE vs SA

Preview

Ireland is set to cross swords against South Africa for the first T20I game of the two-match series, which will commence on Friday, September 27, at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. 

The Irish Cricket Team was previously seen in action during the T20 WC 2024 in the USA and the West Indies. With three defeats and one match abandoned, Paul Stirling and Co. finished at the bottom of the Group A standings. On the other side, the Proteas were the runners-up in the T20 WC 2024 tournament. Keeping their WC performance aside, the South African side have also suffered a surprise 1-2 ODI series defeat against Afghanistan in the UAE. 

Coming to the head-to-head analysis between Ireland and South Africa, the Proteas have won all five T20Is and will be confident enough to continue their winning streak against them.

As the side gears up for the forthcoming clash, it will be interesting to watch how the Irish side challenges the WC runners-up.

Match Details

Match: IRE vs. SA, 1st T20I, Ireland vs South Africa in UAE

Date: Friday, September 27, 2024

Time: 9:00 PM

Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi

Pitch Report

The surface at Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi is anticipated to assist the bowlers more than the batsmen. The Pacers will get more preference for the most and will get the best swing in the first few overs with the new ball. The average total on this ground is 130 runs, so anything over 150 is expected to be a good score, and the rest depends upon the bowlers' plan. 

The weather forecast for the match day in Abu Dhabi is expected to be hot and humid, with maximum temperatures hitting 37°C.

IRE vs. SA Squads

IRE: Paul Stirling (c), Lorcan Tucker (wk), Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, Neil Rock, Gavin Hoey, George Dockrell, Mark Adair, Benjamin White, Graham Hume, Craig Young, Matthew Humphreys, Fionn Hand, Ross Adair

SA: Ryan Rickelton (wk), Aiden Markram (c), Matthew Breetzke, Tristan Stubbs, Jason Smith, Wiaan Mulder, Bjorn Fortuin, Ottneil Baartman, Lizaad Williams, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi, Patrick Kruger, Reeza Hendricks, Andile Simelane, Nqaba Peter

IRE vs. SA Probable XIs

IRE: Paul Stirling (c), Ross Adair, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Harry Tector, Gareth Delany, Curtis Campher, Mark Adair, George Dockrell, Graham Hume, Craig Young, Ben White

SA: Aiden Markram (c), Reeza Hendricks, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Tristan Stubbs, Jason Smith, Wiaan Mulder, Andile Simelane, Bjorn Fortuin, Lungi Ngidi, Ottneil Baartman, Lizaad Williams

Match Prediction

Ireland has not been involved in any T20 action since the WC, which ended in a humiliating way. South Africa has brought in some exciting changes in its squad, which will be put to the test after its surprise loss to Afghanistan. Ireland is expected to perform well, but it will take them a combined effort to defeat the WC runners-up. Based on their past performances, South Africa still stands as the favourite to win this match. 

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