Hendricks, Markram stars as South Africa wins the first T20I against Ireland

South Africa won the first T20I against Ireland by 21 runs. Half-centuries from Reeza Hendricks and Aiden Markram helped South Africa to post a good total on the scoreboard. Ireland batters showed good fight but failed to chase the target.

As it happened:-

South Africa won the toss and opted to bat first at County Ground, Bristol. Reeza Hendricks and Quinton De Kock opened the innings for South Africa and Hendricks smashed the Ireland bowlers. Quinton De Kock got run out on 6 runs, South Africa lost another wicket as Rassie van der Dussen was dismissed by Andy McBrine on 10 runs.

Reeza Hendricks and Aiden Markram continued their good run of form. Both smashed the Ireland bowlers all around the park and reached their half centuries. Both added 112 runs for the third wicket partnership. Aiden Markram (56) and Reeza Hendricks (74) were dismissed by Gareth Delany in the same over. 

Tristan Stubbs and Dwaine Pretorius's cameos helped South Africa to post 211 runs on the scoreboard in the 20 overs. Tristan Stubbs scored 24 off 11 balls and Dwaine Pretorius scored 21 off 7 balls.

Ireland started very well in the chase but lost their captain Andrew Balbirine on 14 runs in the third over. Wayne Parnell gave South Africa another breakthrough as he dismissed Paul Stirling on 18 runs. Lorcan Tucker batted well but Ireland lost Harry Tector, Gareth Delany and Curtis Campher cheaply.

George Dockrell and Lorcan tried their best to get Ireland over the line but fell 21 runs short of the target. South Africa's spin duo Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi shared four wickets among them. The final match of the series will be on Friday.

"No I don't think so, in T20's currently, which is our pretty good, thought we were in the chase for most parts but the two wickets in two balls of the set batters cost us. That's the turning point of the game". - Andy Balbirnie, Ireland captain

"David Miller woke up with the niggle, hopefully he will be fine on Friday. The guys who got the opportunity really put their hands up during the England series, healthy competition for places which is good it makes the coaches job tougher". - Keshav Maharaj, South Africa captain