South Africa, led by Aiden Markram, opted to bowl first in the opening T20I against Ireland at the County Ground in Bristol. The Proteas fielded a balanced attack featuring four seamers and three spinners, resting experienced pacer Lungi Ngidi.
Ottneil Baartman and Lizaad Williams made their tour debuts, while all-rounders Wiaan Mulder and Patrick Kruger completed the seam attack. In the spin department, South Africa deployed left-arm spinner Bjorn Fortuin, legspinner Nqaba Peter, and Markram himself as an occasional offspinner.
Ireland, missing captain Andy Balbirnie, handed Ross Adair an opportunity to open the batting alongside Paul Stirling. They also opted for a spin-heavy attack, including left-arm spinner Matthew Humphreys, George Dockrell, and legspinner Ben White.
Ireland have never defeated South Africa in a T20I, and the Proteas will be keen to maintain their dominance. South Africa’s batting lineup features three opening batters, with Reeza Hendricks and Ryan Rickelton at the top of the order and Matthew Breetzke at number three.
The match promises to be a competitive affair, with both teams looking to gain an early advantage in the three-match series.
