The cricketing world is set to witness an exciting series as the Ireland cricket team takes on the South Africa cricket team in the United Arab Emirates. The tour, scheduled for September and October 2024, will feature two Twenty20 International (T20I) matches and three One Day International (ODI) matches, all of which will be played at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
T20I Series
The T20I series kicks off on September 27, 2024, with the first match between Ireland and South Africa. This will be the first T20I encounter between the two teams since their last meeting in 2022, where South Africa won the series 2-0 in Bristol.
- **1st T20I:** September 27, 2024, at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, starting at 7:30 PM local time.
- **2nd T20I:** September 29, 2024, at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, starting at 3:30 PM local time.
ODI Series
Following the T20I matches, the teams will engage in a three-match ODI series. Here are the dates for the ODI matches:
- **1st ODI:** October 1, 2024
- **2nd ODI:** October 4, 2024
- **3rd ODI:** October 7, 2024
All ODI matches will also be held at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Squads and Recent Form
Ireland's T20I squad, led by captain Paul Stirling, includes notable players such as Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Curtis Campher, and Harry Tector. The team is looking to bounce back after being eliminated from the group stages of the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup held in the West Indies and USA.
South Africa, under the captaincy of Aiden Markram, features a strong lineup with players like Ottneil Baartman, Matthew Breetzke, Reeza Hendricks, and Lungi Ngidi. The Proteas are seeking a resurgence after a heart-wrenching final loss against India and a recent T20I series whitewash by the West Indies.
Broadcast and Attendance
Fans can catch the action live through various broadcast partners. In the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom, the series will be available on TNT Sports. Other broadcast partners include SuperSport for Sub-Saharan Africa, FanCode for India, Tapmad for Pakistan, and Etisalat for the Middle East and North Africa. For countries without specified broadcast partners, the matches can be watched via the Cricket Ireland Live YouTube Channel.
Tickets for the matches are available for purchase online, allowing fans to attend the games at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium.
Redemption on the Line
Both teams are looking for redemption in this series. Ireland aims to improve their T20I form after a disappointing exit from the T20 World Cup, while South Africa seeks to regain momentum following recent setbacks. The Abu Dhabi heat and the familiar venue of Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium could play a crucial role in the teams' performances as they strive for a fresh start in the T20I format.
This series promises to be an exciting clash between two teams eager to prove themselves on the international stage. With the matches set to take place in the challenging conditions of Abu Dhabi, it will be a test of skill, endurance, and strategy for both Ireland and South Africa.
