The Proteas will target a series victory when they face Ireland in Abu Dhabi on Sunday in the 2nd T20 International.

On Friday, the Proteas took a 1-0 lead in the series after a dominant 8-wicket win against the Irish in the first T20 International.

Humiliating ODI series defeat

The Proteas are on tour without several key players such as Kagiso Rabada, while last week they suffered a humiliating 2-1 One-Day International series defeat to Afghanistan in Sharjah.

On Friday, the wicketkeeper/batter Ryan Rickelton scored for first-ever half-century for South Africa in the format, while the Kimberley born-and-bred Reeza Hendricks regained some form and confidence with the bat.

Rickelton told OFM Sport that the more they play, the more confidence there will be and the wins will come.

“Obviously, it's been a tough tour, the first part initially was, but as you mentioned, it might not be a full-strength team, but there are some bloody good players on this tour as well,” said Rickelton.

“I think each and everyone is just trying to find their own little niche and their own feet along the way in different testing conditions. Just trying to establish themselves, especially in this team where we sit right now, myself included, obviously Maddie (Matthew Breetzke) as well, a few of the less T20I -experienced guys. I think the more we play, obviously the more success you can have mentally.

Matthew Breetzke. Photo: Cricinfo

“It just eases you down a little bit and you can slowly pick away and gain some confidence in what you’re trying to do. I think it’s just about keep trying to play or keep playing and finding those little cues that can give you that 1-2% boost every single time.

“Hopefully after this next week, even including ODIs, players can walk away with just a little bit more surety of themselves, obviously in their role and the way they want to play.”

The 2nd T20 International between Ireland and South Africa in Abu Dhabi is scheduled to start at 17:30 on Sunday afternoon.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg