Ross Adair-Mark Adair shine as Ireland scripts history against South Africa in Abu Dhabi

The Ireland cricket team pulled off a thrilling victory against South Africa in Abu Dhabi, with the Adair brothers delivering unforgettable performances to secure a dramatic 10-run win and draw the two-match T20I series on Sunday, September 29.

Ross Adair’s blistering maiden international century, followed by Mark Adair’s game-changing four-wicket haul, ensured Ireland to create history with a stunning display of talent and determination against the South African team in Abu Dhabi.

With this thrilling win in Abu Dhabi, the Irish Team recorded their first-ever win over South Africa in the history of T20I cricket. It was a great moment for Irish cricket, as the Proteas side was the runner-up of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in the USA and Caribbean in June 2024.

Ireland creates history with stunning 10-run win over South Africa

Speaking about the IRE vs SA game, Ross smashed his maiden international century (100 runs off just 58 balls) in style in Abu Dhabi.

His fierce hitting, featuring nine sixes and five boundaries, left South Africa reeling as he joined an elite club of Irish cricketers with T20I centuries.

Ross became the only third Ireland player to have smashed a century in T20I cricket after Kevin O’Brien and Paul Stirling. The 30-year-old batter also formed a formidable 137-run partnership with the Ireland captain Stirling (52 runs off 31 balls) to take the team to a daunting total of 195/6 against South Africa in the second and final T20I on Sunday.

It was their highest-ever score against South Africa in T20I cricket and their 10th-best total ever in the format. Stirling’s contribution of 52 off 31 balls to the Irish Team's thrilling win over the Proteas was his 24th half-century in T20I cricket.

HISTORY AT ABU DHABI...!!!!

IRELAND HAS BEATEN SOUTH AFRICA FOR THE FIRST TIME IN T20I HISTORY 👊🥶 pic.twitter.com/L5nLZdyU3q

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 29, 2024

After winning the first game of the two-match T20I series by eight wickets, South Africa looked well set to whitewash the Irish team, with their openers once again firing early. Ryan Rickelton’s quick 36 and Reeza Hendricks’ half-century kept them in the hunt.

However, the Irish bowlers refused to back down. Graham Hume made the crucial breakthrough by dismissing Rickelton, and Ben White removed the dangerous Hendricks just when South Africa seemed to be gaining momentum.

The turning point came when Mark Adair stepped up in the penultimate over, delivering a sensational spell that shattered South Africa’s hopes.

He took three crucial wickets after dismissing the in-form Matthew Breetzke, as Ireland tightened their grip, and Hume delivered a composed final over to seal a historic victory.

After helping the Irish Team to win their first-ever T20I game against South Africa, Ross was named Player of the Match and Player of the Series on Sunday.

ODI series awaits the 2 sides

The two teams will now turn their attentions to the three-match ODI series, which kicks off at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi, on Wednesday, October 2.

The Irish team would now love to continue their winning momentum in the ODIs following their historic win over the Proteas side.