A 127-run opening-wicket stand between Temba Bavuma (72 runs off 51 balls) and Reeza Hendricks (69 off 48) helped South Africa to beat Ireland by 49 runs in the third and final T20I in Belfast. South Africa piled 189/2 after opting to bat, and then restricted Ireland to 140/9 to win the T20I series 3-0.
South Africa rested five key players – Quinton de Kock, Janneman Malan, Rassie van der Dussen, Lungi Ngidi and Tabraiz Shamsi – from the team that won the second match. Hendricks replaced de Kock at the top and did not disappoint.
South Africa batted first for the third time on the trot. Bavuma’s maiden T20I fifty laid the foundation for David Miller to finish. Coming at No. 3 in the 16th over, Miller hit four fours and a six in his unbeaten 17-ball 36 to take South Africa to their highest score in the series. Barring Simi Singh (1-27), all Irish bowlers conceded nine or more an over.
Ireland stumbled at the start in response. Kevin O’Brien fell for 2 in the second over, to George Linde (2-21). Lizaad Williams got Paul Stirling (18) inside the Powerplay. From there, Ireland were never really in the hunt. Apart from Andy Balbirnie (27) and Craig Young (22), no Irish batter reached 20.
South Africa’s new-looked bowling attack, featuring Linde (2-21), Wiaan Mulder (2-10) and Williams (2-30), all claimed two wickets each, while Andile Phehlukwayo (1-15) was satisfied with one wicket.
Brief Scores: South Africa 189/2 in 20 overs (Temba Bavuma 72; Simi Singh 1-25) beat Ireland 140/9 in 20 overs (Andy Balbirnie 27; Wiaan Mulder 2-10) by 49 runs. Player of the Match: Temba Bavuma.
South Africa won the series 3-0. Player of the Series: David Miller.