Cricket
Rickelton and Hendricks steer Proteas to victory─── MORGAN PIEK 07:38 Sat, 28 Sep 2024
“We are looking to play really positively. We had ten wickets in the shed, so if we could win as quickly – that was the goal.”
The Proteas took a one-nil lead in the three-match T20 International series against Ireland in Abu Dhabi on Friday night.
South Africa won the first T20I by eight wickets for a much-needed boost in confidence following a lean spell in recent times.
Ireland had a bat first and were restricted to a respectable 171/8 in their allotted 20 overs. The South African-born Curtis Campher led the charge with the bat for the Irish with a knock of 49 runs, while the wicketkeeper, Neil Rock, scored 37.
Reeza Hendricks. Photo: Cricinfo
The former Knights allrounder, Patrick Kruger, was the pick of the South African bowlers with a career-best 4/27 in his allotted four overs.
In reply, the South African wicketkeeper, Ryan Rickelton, was in a destructive mood with the willow by scoring a career-best 76 runs off 48 balls. He struck 3 fours and 6 sixes as he led the run-chase.
The former Knights opening batter, Reeza Hendricks, in turn regained some much-needed form with his 51 off 33 helped to break the back of the run-chase to get the Proteas over the lines.
Matthew Breetzke and the captain Aiden Markram capitalised on the 136-run partnership for the first wicket with 17* and 11* to steer the Proteas to victory. With 0/28 in his four overs, Matthew Humphreys was by far the most economical bowler for the Irish.
Rickelton said it was important to time their innings well, while also trying to play a positive brand of cricket. “It was a good wicket but we knew it was going to swing a bit,” said Rickelton.
Curtis Campher. Photo: Cricinfo
“We wanted to get through that initial phase. New ball can bring runs but also bring wickets. Once it stopped swinging, we decided to be more attacking. To get to fifty, it was a nice feeling. Reeza and I always have a bit of competition, nice to have a bit of a go at each other and nice that he could score a few too tonight as well.
“We are looking to play really positively. We had ten wickets in the shed, so if we could win as quickly – that was the goal.”
The 2nd T20I will be played on Sunday and this match, which will also be contested in Abu Dhabi, is scheduled to start at 17:30.
