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.

The opener shared a third-wicket partnership of 112 with Markram, who smashed five sixes en route to hitting 56 from just 27 deliveries.

Spin bowler Gareth Delany claimed the wickets of Hendricks and Markram from successive balls in the 16th over but, despite a fine batting display from Lorcan Tucker, Ireland's chase ultimately fell well short.

Tucker, batting at number three, managed seven fours and five sixes in an impressive knock of 78 from 38 deliveries, while 43 from George Dockrell further boosted the Irish cause.

Yet hope of a famous win was effectively extinguished when the pair fell in the space of three balls to Tabraiz Shamsi and Dwaine Pretorius respectively.

Ireland, who finished on 190 for nine, will have another opportunity to claim a first victory in the format when the two sides meet again on Friday.

South Africa 211-5 Innings Complete (R R Hendricks 74, A K Markram 56) v Ireland 190-9 Innings Complete (L J Tucker 78) 

South Africa beat Ireland by 21 runs