Fighting Irish lose to South Africa in first T20 international

Ireland's reply comes up 21 runs short in Bristol

NO FEAR: Lorcan Tucker top scored for Ireland with an impressive 78 AT , Gloucestershire Cricket Stadium in Bristol, England. Picture: Inpho/Ben Whitley

Half-centuries from Reeza Hendricks and Aiden Markram propelled South Africa to a 21-run victory in the first of two Twenty20 internationals against Ireland on Wednesday night.

Hendricks, who starred in his country's recent series win over England, continued his fine form by making 74 from 53 balls during the day-night match in Bristol to help the Proteas reach 211 for five.