South Africa stars too good for Ireland as tourists complete series whitewash

A dropped catch galvanised the tourists, with at least 10 runs coming off each of the last 10 overs.

Shane Getkate of Ireland reacts during the Men's T20 International match. Picture: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

Half-centuries from each of South Africa’s openers and a disciplined combined bowling display consigned Ireland to their third defeat of the DafaNews Cup T20 series, despite an improved batting performance from the hosts.

Proteas captain Temba Bavuma won the toss and elected to bat, and did the bulk of the work setting an imposing total himself, with his 51-ball 72 marking his maiden fifty in T20I cricket. Reeza Hendricks added 69, and between them they put on 127, South Africa’s highest stand in T20I cricket against Ireland, and their best partnership for the first wicket against anyone in men’s cricket since 2009.