Ireland vs South Africa 2nd T20 Preview & Tips - De Kock to go big as Proteas seal series win

Quinton de Kock has been in superb from lately. Even his 20 off nine balls in the last match reeked of class so I am backing him to pass the 28.5 run mark as my best bet.

South Africa won the only previous T20I against Ireland by 33 runs in Dublin.

Ireland were well beaten by 33 runs in the 1st T20 in Dublin. The hosts bowled first and did a decent job to restrict South Africa to 165 runs.

Mark Adair took 3-39 in his four overs while Simi Singh and Josh Little took two wickets each.

It is on the batting front where there is concern. After the big hitting Paul Stirling and Kevin O’Brien were dismissed early, in-form Andy Balbirnie scored 22 and Harry Tector 36 runs.

It wasn’t enough as Ireland could only reach 132 runs in their 20 overs. They will hope Belfast brings them better luck.

Ireland tried Kevin O’Brien at the top of the order but he was dismissed off his first ball. That experiment is likely to get another run so Andy Balbirnie should bat at three again.

South Africa were far from their best in the 1st T20I against Ireland but still managed a comfortable win in Dublin. 

Batting first South Africa posted a total of 165 runs.  Aiden Markram top scored with 39 runs while Quinton de Kock hit 20 off just nine balls.

There were contributions throughout the innings by Rassie van der Dussen and David Miller. Tabraiz Shamsi then did the business with the ball, taking 4-27 to restrict Ireland to 132 in their 20 overs.

South Africa were convincing winners by 33 runs.

South Africa are still playing around with their side a bit. They are trying to figure out the batting order with captain Temba Bavuma now opening the batting. 

At three and four in the 1st T20I you had Janneman Malan and Aiden Markram, both of who are usual openers.