The Adair brothers, Ross and Mark, orchestrated a remarkable performance in the second and final T20I, sealing a thrilling 10-run victory for Ireland over South Africa in Abu Dhabi. On a day when precision met power, their contributions formed the bedrock of Ireland’s hard-fought triumph.
After winning the toss, South Africa opted to bowl, hoping to chase under the Abu Dhabi lights. However, the Irish opening duo of Paul Stirling and Ross Adair had other plans. Stirling’s blistering half-century (52 off 31 balls) was a statement of intent, but it was Ross Adair who truly stole the show. His century—a sublime 100 from just 58 balls, peppered with 5 boundaries and an astonishing 9 sixes—was a masterclass in measured aggression. Together, they stitched a formidable 137-run partnership that laid the foundation for Ireland’s imposing total of 195/6.
While Stirling fell to Patrick Kruger in the 13th over, Ross Adair continued his onslaught until the 17th, when Wiaan Mulder finally brought his innings to a close. Yet, by then, the damage was done. Contributions from George Dockrell and Fionn Hand in the closing overs ensured Ireland crossed the 190-run mark, setting a daunting target for the Proteas.
South Africa’s bowling attack, though commendable at times, was unable to fully contain Ireland’s batting juggernaut. Wiaan Mulder led the charge with two wickets, while Lungi Ngidi, Lizaad Williams, and Patrick Kruger chipped in with a wicket each.
The Proteas’ response began with promise, as Ryan Rickelton and Reeza Hendricks built a sturdy platform, crafting a brisk 50-run partnership. Hendricks’ elegant 51 from 32 balls, alongside Matthew Breetzke’s fighting 51 from 41, kept the chase alive. But Graham Hume’s breakthrough in the sixth over, dismissing Rickelton, signaled the beginning of the end for South Africa’s pursuit.
As the Irish bowlers tightened their grip, wickets tumbled. The standout was Mark Adair, whose four-wicket haul (4/31) tore through the Proteas’ middle and lower order. Hume too, with 3/25, kept the South African batters under pressure. Despite late resistance from Bjorn Fortuin and Lungi Ngidi, South Africa could only muster 185/9, falling short of the target by 10 runs.
The brilliance of Ross Adair earned him both ‘Player of the Match’ and ‘Player of the Series,’ a fitting recognition for his all-round performance that anchored Ireland’s victory in the T20I series.
