Reeza Hendricks sets up South Africa win in Ireland T20 opener

Hendricks, who starred in his country’s recent series win over England, hit 74 from 53 balls during the day-night match in Bristol

Reeza Hendricks hit his fourth successive Twenty20 fifty as South Africa defeated Ireland by 21 runs in their series opener at Bristol on Wednesday.

Hendricks, who hit three half-centuries in the Proteas’ recent 2-1 series win over England, top-scored with 74 in a total of 211-5 and shared a third-wicket partnership of 112 with Aiden Markram (56).

“I think I’ve been working really hard,” said Hendricks, now one of just five batsmen to have scored four consecutive half-centuries at this level, during the presentation ceremony. “Momentum is important. I’ve been enjoying English conditions.”

Lorcan Tucker (78) and George Dockrell (43) kept Ireland in the hunt but when the pair were dismissed off successive balls their side’s hopes of victory went with them.

‘Death-bowling’ specialist Wayne Parnell proved his worth for all he was hit for six off the last ball off the innings by tailender Barry McCarthy as Ireland finished on 190-9.

Left-arm paceman Parnell returned figures of 2-36, stand-in Proteas captain Keshav Maharaj took 2-29 with his left-arm spin and leg-spinner Tabraiz Shamsi 2-37.