First T20I preview: Ireland vs South Africa
These sides only three previous meetings came last July with South Africa beating Ireland in all three contests.
Ireland are an improving side though and the Proteas cannot afford to be complacent after a good series win over England.
Ireland vs South Africa | First T20I | Wednesday 3 August 2022 | The Bristol County Ground, Bristol |
Ireland: First T20I
Ireland are the designated home side but the series is set to take place on English soil meaning they will get little to no advantage in that regard.
Harry Tector is the man to watch in the Ireland batting lineup but they will be desperate to see their top order contribute more.
Ireland’s strong core of allrounders have helped them be competitive but they often ask too much of the tail.
They will need to be bold to outgun the Proteas as a traditionally high-scoring ground.
South Africa: First T20I
Injuries have inadvertently seen the Proteas drastically increase their hitting power and the three top order lefties are at the heart of this.
First, Quinton de Kock usually gets the Proteas going quickly and can assess how good the wicket will play.
If de Kock falls first the Proteas will usually send in Rilee Rossouw to maintain a right-left combination, while the fall of Reeza Hendricks’ wicket will prompt the arrival of either Aiden Markram or Rassie van der Dussen depending on the lineup although Henirich Klaasen is another option.
Backing up the top four should be Tristan Stubbs and David Miller, who have the makings of a world-class 5 and 6 combination.
The Proteas bowling unit is usually their strength and Ireland will need a bit of luck to overcome.
Verdict: First T20I
South Africa
South Africa should learn from their loss to England on the same ground not long ago.
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