On Sunday, a spectacular 100-run innings by Ross Adair, the opening batsman, enabled Ireland to secure a remarkable 10-run victory over South Africa and even up the two-match T20 International series in Abu Dhabi. Previously a one-time capped rugby player for Ulster, Adair returned to cricket and smashed nine sixes in his stunning century that required only 57 balls, making him the third Irish male cricketer to score a century in T20 internationals, alongside Kevin O’Brien and Paul Stirling.
Stirling also played admirably at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, contributing 52 runs from 31 balls at the beginning of the match. He and Adair generated 137 runs for the initial wicket. Ireland ended the game with 195 for six after 20 overs. Despite South Africa seeming to be on the right track to chase this target when they scored 121 for one, they fell short due to noteworthy performances from Mark Adair, Ross’s younger brother, who claimed four wickets for 31 and Graham Hume, who took three for 25, resulting in South Africa’s final score of 185 for nine.
The two teams will now proceed to a three-match One-Day International series in Abu Dhabi. The first match is scheduled for Wednesday.