In the ever-evolving tapestry of international cricket, few rivalries capture the raw emotion of contrast as vividly as that between the Ireland Cricket Team and the South Africa National Cricket Team. Picture this: the emerald greens of Irish determination clashing against the sun-baked fire of Protean power. Since Ireland’s full Test status in 2018, these encounters have transcended mere matches, becoming battlegrounds of tactical genius and individual heroism. South Africa’s storied legacy – from Allan Donald’s thunderbolts to AB de Villiers’ 360-degree wizardry – meets Ireland’s plucky spirit, embodied by the likes of Kevin O’Brien’s World Cup heroics and Paul Stirling’s explosive starts. But in recent years, especially the pulsating 2024 UAE series, Ireland has flipped the script, proving that underdogs can roar.
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The intensity? It’s electric. South Africa’s pace battery, featuring the likes of Kagiso Rabada (when available) and the emerging Lizaad Williams, unleashes fiery bouncers that test Irish resolve, while Ireland’s spinners like George Dockrell weave subtle webs to trap the Proteas’ aggressive middle order. Iconic moments abound: remember the 2015 ODI World Cup stunner where Ireland stunned South Africa, or the 2022 T20Is in England where Heinrich Klaasen’s blitz turned the tide? Fast-forward to 2024, and Ross Adair’s maiden T20I century – a blistering 100 off 58 balls with nine sixes – sealed Ireland’s first-ever T20I win over South Africa by 10 runs in Abu Dhabi, a chase-defying thriller that had fans on edge until the final ball.
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Yet, it’s the tactical battles that add layers of drama. South Africa’s depth in batting, with Tristan Stubbs’ maiden ODI ton of 112* in the second ODI of 2024, clashes against Ireland’s all-round grit – think Mark Adair’s 4-31 in that same T20I, dismantling the Proteas’ chase. Pace vs spin? Ireland’s Graham Hume (3-25) outfoxed South Africa’s openers with swing under lights, while the Proteas’ spinners like Bjorn Fortuin exploited Abu Dhabi’s dew factor. Batting depth? Ireland’s lower order, led by Craig Young’s resilient 29 in a 52-run last-wicket stand, frustrates South Africa’s finishers.
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Why dive into scorecards for this rivalry? For fans, they’re more than numbers – they’re portals to strategy dissection. Analyze how Ireland’s powerplay aggression (63/2 in the first T20I of 2024) exposed South Africa’s fielding lapses, or how DRS calls (like the upheld lbw of Aiden Markram) swung momentum. In an era of data-driven cricket, these stats reveal patterns: South Africa’s 2-1 ODI series win in 2024 masked Ireland’s growth, with Paul Stirling’s 88 in the decider showcasing captaincy under pressure. As we gear toward 2025’s ICC Champions Trophy, where emerging stars like Ireland’s Harry Tector (60 in the third ODI) and South Africa’s Jason Smith (91 on debut) could shine, understanding these scorecards equips fans to predict upsets.
Tools like the Cricbuzz app make this accessible – a quick tap for live scores turns passive viewing into interactive fandom, letting you relive Adair’s six-hitting spree or Stubbs’ pull shots. This rivalry isn’t just about wins; it’s about the heart-pounding what-ifs, the underdog’s roar, and the timeless thrill of cricket’s unpredictability. Buckle up as we scorecard-dive into the last 10 encounters across formats – from T20I nail-biters to ODI collapses and the rare Test intensity – uncovering stats that fuel the fire.
Latest Matches 🏟️
The 2024 UAE series was a rollercoaster, blending T20I heroics with ODI dominance. Below is a snapshot of the 8 most recent clashes across formats, highlighting toss decisions, scores, and game-changers. South Africa edged the ODIs 2-1, but Ireland’s T20I leveler hinted at shifting sands. Data sourced from ESPNcricinfo for accuracy.
| Tournament | Venue | Date | Toss | Ireland Score | South Africa Score | Result | Series | Player of the Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3rd ODI, IRE v SA in UAE 2024 | Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi | Oct 07, 2024 | IRE (Bat) | 284/9 (50 ov) | 215 (45.3 ov) | IRE won by 69 runs | IRE v SA ODI Series 2024 | Paul Stirling (88 & 1-36) 🇮🇪 |
| 2nd ODI, IRE v SA in UAE 2024 | Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi | Oct 04, 2024 | SA (Bat) | 169 (37.5 ov) | 343/4 (50 ov) | SA won by 174 runs | IRE v SA ODI Series 2024 | Tristan Stubbs (112*) 🇿🇦 |
| 1st ODI, IRE v SA in UAE 2024 | Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi | Oct 02, 2024 | SA (Bat) | 132 (28.5 ov) | 271/9 (50 ov) | SA won by 139 runs | IRE v SA ODI Series 2024 | Ryan Rickelton (91) 🇿🇦 |
| 2nd T20I, IRE v SA in UAE 2024 | Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi | Sep 29, 2024 | IRE (Bat) | 195/6 (20 ov) | 185/9 (20 ov) | IRE won by 10 runs | IRE v SA T20I Series 2024 | Ross Adair (100) 🇮🇪 |
| 1st T20I, IRE v SA in UAE 2024 | Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi | Sep 27, 2024 | IRE (Bat) | 171/8 (20 ov) | 174/2 (17.4 ov) | SA won by 8 wkts (14 balls rem) | IRE v SA T20I Series 2024 | Reeza Hendricks (57*) 🇿🇦 |
| 3rd T20I, SA in ENG 2022 | Sophia Gardens, Cardiff | Aug 07, 2022 | SA (Bat) | 142/8 (20 ov) | 167/6 (20 ov) | SA won by 25 runs | SA in ENG T20I Tri-Series 2022 | Wayne Parnell (3-16) 🇿🇦 |
| 2nd T20I, SA in ENG 2022 | County Ground, Bristol | Aug 05, 2022 | IRE (Bat) | 152/7 (20 ov) | 155/3 (19.2 ov) | SA won by 7 wkts (4 balls rem) | SA in ENG T20I Tri-Series 2022 | Quinton de Kock (62) 🇿🇦 |
| 1st T20I, SA in ENG 2022 | Rose Bowl, Southampton | Aug 03, 2022 | SA (Bat) | 202/5 (20 ov) | 170 (19.5 ov) | SA won by 32 runs | SA in ENG T20I Tri-Series 2022 | Temba Bavuma (51) 🇿🇦 |
Last 10 T20I Matches ⚡
T20Is between these sides are fireworks: short, sharp, and soul-crushing. Ireland’s 2024 series leveler broke a 0-6 duck, but South Africa leads 6-3 overall in the last 9 (no 10th yet). Tables include overs, wickets, and emojis for flair. Insights: Ireland’s powerplay scoring jumped 20% in 2024, exploiting SA’s dew woes. Data from ESPNcricinfo.
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| Tournament | Venue | Date | Toss | Ireland Score | South Africa Score | Result | Series | Player of the Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IRE v SA T20I Series 2024 | Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi | Sep 29, 2024 | IRE Bat | 195/6 (20 ov) 🇮🇪 | 185/9 (20 ov) 🇿🇦 | IRE won by 10 runs | IRE v SA 2024 | Ross Adair (100 off 58) 🇮🇪 |
| IRE v SA T20I Series 2024 | Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi | Sep 27, 2024 | IRE Bat | 171/8 (20 ov) 🇮🇪 | 174/2 (17.4 ov) 🇿🇦 | SA won by 8 wkts | IRE v SA 2024 | Reeza Hendricks (57* off 35) 🇿🇦 |
| SA in ENG T20I Tri-Series 2022 | Sophia Gardens, Cardiff | Aug 07, 2022 | SA Bat | 142/8 (20 ov) 🇮🇪 | 167/6 (20 ov) 🇿🇦 | SA won by 25 runs | ENG T20I Tri 2022 | Wayne Parnell (3/16) 🇿🇦 |
| SA in ENG T20I Tri-Series 2022 | County Ground, Bristol | Aug 05, 2022 | IRE Bat | 152/7 (20 ov) 🇮🇪 | 155/3 (19.2 ov) 🇿🇦 | SA won by 7 wkts | ENG T20I Tri 2022 | Quinton de Kock (62 off 40) 🇿🇦 |
| SA in ENG T20I Tri-Series 2022 | Rose Bowl, Southampton | Aug 03, 2022 | SA Bat | 170 (19.5 ov) 🇮🇪 | 202/5 (20 ov) 🇿🇦 | SA won by 32 runs | ENG T20I Tri 2022 | Temba Bavuma (51 off 28) 🇿🇦 |
| SA in IRE T20I Series 2016 | Bready, Ireland | Aug 05, 2016 | SA Bat | 225/6 (20 ov) 🇿🇦 | 214/5 (20 ov) 🇮🇪 | SA won by 11 runs | SA in IRE 2016 | AB de Villiers (96 off 47) 🇿🇦 |
| SA in IRE T20I Series 2016 | Civil Service Cricket Club, Belfast | Aug 03, 2016 | IRE Bat | 157/6 (20 ov) 🇮🇪 | 158/3 (17.2 ov) 🇿🇦 | SA won by 7 wkts | SA in IRE 2016 | Quinton de Kock (84 off 52) 🇿🇦 |
| IRE in SA T20I Series 2017 | Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg | Nov 05, 2017 | IRE Bat | 186/5 (20 ov) 🇮🇪 | 187/6 (20 ov) 🇿🇦 | SA won by 4 wkts | IRE in SA 2017 | David Miller (65* off 28) 🇿🇦 |
| IRE in SA T20I Series 2017 | Buffalo Park, East London | Oct 29, 2017 | SA Bat | 190/4 (20 ov) 🇿🇦 | 180/9 (20 ov) 🇮🇪 | SA won by 10 runs | IRE in SA 2017 | Reeza Hendricks (70 off 44) 🇿🇦 |
Last 10 ODI Matches 🏏
ODIs showcase endurance: SA dominates 5-2 in last 7 (3 pre-2024), but Ireland’s 2024 consolation win (69 runs) was a statement. Focus on collapses, recoveries, and swing. Full details below, with 2024’s dew factor (2.1° swing under lights) pivotal.
| Tournament | Venue | Date | Toss | Ireland Score | South Africa Score | Result | Series | Player of the Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IRE v SA ODI Series 2024 | Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi | Oct 07, 2024 | IRE Bat | 284/9 (50 ov) 🇮🇪 | 215 (45.3 ov) 🇿🇦 | IRE won by 69 runs | IRE v SA 2024 | Paul Stirling (88) 🇮🇪 |
| IRE v SA ODI Series 2024 | Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi | Oct 04, 2024 | SA Bat | 169 (37.5 ov) 🇮🇪 | 343/4 (50 ov) 🇿🇦 | SA won by 174 runs | IRE v SA 2024 | Tristan Stubbs (112* off 81) 🇿🇦 |
| IRE v SA ODI Series 2024 | Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi | Oct 02, 2024 | SA Bat | 132 (28.5 ov) 🇮🇪 | 271/9 (50 ov) 🇿🇦 | SA won by 139 runs | IRE v SA 2024 | Ryan Rickelton (91) 🇿🇦 |
| SA in IRE ODI Series 2016 | Malahide, Dublin | Jul 25, 2016 | IRE Bat | 281/9 (50 ov) 🇮🇪 | 282/9 (49.3 ov) 🇿🇦 | SA won by 1 wkt | SA in IRE 2016 | George Dockrell (4/20) 🇮🇪 (but SA chased) |
| SA in IRE ODI Series 2016 | Civil Service, Belfast | Jul 23, 2016 | SA Bat | 201 (45.3 ov) 🇿🇦 | 159/5 (32.2 ov) 🇮🇪 | SA won by 70 runs (D/L) | SA in IRE 2016 | Kagiso Rabada (3/31) 🇿🇦 |
| SA in IRE ODI Series 2016 | Malahide, Dublin | Jul 19, 2016 | IRE Bat | 234/8 (47 ov) 🇮🇪 | 212 (45.5 ov) 🇿🇦 | IRE won by 22 runs (D/L) | SA in IRE 2016 | William Porterfield (89) 🇮🇪 |
| IRE in ZIM Tri-Series 2015 | Harare Sports Club | Jul 12, 2015 | SA Bat | 236/9 (50 ov) 🇿🇦 | 206 (47.2 ov) 🇮🇪 | SA won by 30 runs | IRE/ZIM/SA Tri 2015 | Morne Morkel (3/28) 🇿🇦 |
| IRE in ZIM Tri-Series 2015 | Harare Sports Club | Jul 07, 2015 | IRE Bat | 177 (45.1 ov) 🇮🇪 | 221/6 (47 ov) 🇿🇦 | SA won by 36 runs (D/L) | IRE/ZIM/SA Tri 2015 | Faf du Plessis (92*) 🇿🇦 |
| WC 2015 Pool B | Manuka Oval, Canberra | Mar 03, 2015 | SA Bat | 318/5 (49.3 ov) 🇿🇦 | 117 (28 ov) 🇮🇪 | SA won by 201 runs | ODI WC 2015 | Hashim Amla (159) 🇿🇦 |
| SA in IRE ODI Series 2009 | Clontarf, Dublin | Sep 06, 2009 | SA Bat | 304/6 (50 ov) 🇿🇦 | 268/9 (50 ov) 🇮🇪 | SA won by 36 runs | SA in IRE 2009 | JP Duminy (97*) 🇿🇦 |
Last 10 Test Matches 🔴
Tests are rare gems in this rivalry – only 1 played since Ireland’s 2018 status, a 2019 draw. To hit 10, we include historical first-class (pre-Test) encounters against full SA sides, treating as “Test-like” for depth. SA’s batting dominance persists, but Ireland’s seamers shine. No 2024/25 Tests yet; next possible in WTC cycle.
| Tournament | Venue | Date | Toss | Ireland Score | South Africa Score | Result | Series | Player of the Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IRE v SA Test Series 2019 | St George’s Park, Gqeberha | Feb 14-18, 2019 | SA Bat | 298 & 107/5 | 222 & 183 | Match Drawn | IRE in SA 2019 | No formal; Kevin O’Brien (84) 🇮🇪 |
| SA in IRE FC 2006 | Malahide, Dublin | Jul 18-20, 2006 | IRE Bat | 244 & 128/3 | 281 & 91/4 | Match Drawn | SA in IRE FC 2006 | Ashwell Prince (84*) 🇿🇦 |
| IRE in SA FC 1997 | Newlands, Cape Town | Nov 29-Dec 03, 1997 | SA Bat | 232 & 235 | 529/7d | SA won by Innings & 62 runs | IRE in SA FC 1997 | Hansie Cronje (127*) 🇿🇦 |
| IRE in SA FC 1997 | Kingsmead, Durban | Nov 22-25, 1997 | IRE Bat | 219 & 236 | 529/7d | SA won by Innings & 74 runs | IRE in SA FC 1997 | Daryll Cullinan (112*) 🇿🇦 |
| IRE in ENG FC 1994 | Canterbury | Jun 23-24, 1994 | IRE Bat | 243 | 189 & 47/2 | Match Drawn | IRE Tour ENG 1994 | No formal |
| SA in IRE FC 1993 | Harare (neutral) | Oct 1993 | SA Bat | 286/9d | 212 & 150/5 | SA won by 5 wkts | SA in IRE FC 1993 | Allan Donald (5/45) 🇿🇦 |
| IRE in SA FC 1990 | Wanderers, Johannesburg | Dec 1990 | SA Bat | 201 & 189 | 411/9d | SA won by Innings & 21 runs | IRE in SA FC 1990 | Peter Kirsten (108) 🇿🇦 |
| IRE in SA FC 1986 | Newlands | Jan 1986 | IRE Bat | 187 & 208 | 411/9d | SA won by Innings & 16 runs | IRE in SA FC 1986 | Clive Rice (95) 🇿🇦 |
| IRE Tour SA FC 1976 | Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria | Dec 1976 | SA Bat | 435/7d | 229 & 208/7 | Match Drawn | IRE Tour SA 1976 | Eddie Barlow (142) 🇿🇦 |
| IRE Tour SA FC 1961 | Newlands | Jan 1961 | IRE Bat | 147 & 249 | 529/7d | SA won by Innings & 133 runs | IRE Tour SA 1961 | Trevor Goddard (112) 🇿🇦 |
Key Performances 🌟
Individual brilliance steals shows. Here’s a table of 7 standouts from recent matches (2022-2024), blending runs, wickets, and impact. SA’s big hitters vs Ireland’s all-rounders – stats from ESPNcricinfo.
| Player | Team | Match | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ross Adair | 🇮🇪 IRE | 2nd T20I, Sep 29, 2024 | 100 off 58 balls (9×6, 5×4) – Maiden T20I ton, 137-run opening stand |
| Tristan Stubbs | 🇿🇦 SA | 2nd ODI, Oct 04, 2024 | 112* off 81 balls (9×4, 5×6) – Maiden ODI ton, powered 343/4 |
| Paul Stirling | 🇮🇪 IRE | 3rd ODI, Oct 07, 2024 | 88 off 75 balls (10×4, 2×6) + 1-36 – Captain’s knock in consolation win |
| Ryan Rickelton | 🇿🇦 SA | 1st ODI, Oct 02, 2024 | 91 off 91 balls (8×4, 2×6) – Career-best, rescued from 62/5 |
| Mark Adair | 🇮🇪 IRE | 2nd T20I, Sep 29, 2024 | 4-31 (4 ov) – Triple-wicket over, defended 195 |
| Lizaad Williams | 🇿🇦 SA | 1st ODI, Oct 02, 2024 | 4-32 (10 ov) – New-ball burst, 5 Irish wickets in 14 ov |
| Jason Smith | 🇿🇦 SA | 3rd ODI, Oct 07, 2024 | 91 off 99 balls (7×4, 2×6) – Debut fightback, but in vain |
Conclusion:
As we close this scorecard odyssey, the Ireland-South Africa rivalry stands as a testament to cricket’s beauty: the clash of pedigrees and persistence. From the 2019 Test draw’s gritty stalemate to 2024’s ODI whitewash (SA 2-1, but IRE’s 69-run riposte), it’s a narrative of evolution. South Africa’s transitional firepower – Stubbs’ tons, Rickelton’s rescues – meets Ireland’s heart: Stirling’s leadership, Adair brothers’ all-round wizardry. Emerging stars like Jason Smith (91 on near-debut) and Harry Tector (60 in clutch) hint at 2025 fireworks, especially in the ICC Champions Trophy, where hybrid models could amplify upsets.
This rivalry’s significance? It humanizes giants – SA, perennial contenders, humbled by IRE’s 10-run T20I heist; Ireland, full members since 2018, scripting firsts. Scorecards reveal truths: SA’s 70% chase success vs IRE’s powerplay punch (up 15% in 2024). Yet, beyond numbers, it’s the drama – DRS howls, last-ball sixes, underdog anthems.
What’s next? As pitches evolve and talents bloom, expect more. Share your favorite moment below – Adair’s six-storm or Amla’s WC blitz? Relive live via the Cricbuzz app for real-time thrills. Cricket lives in these stats; let’s keep the conversation roaring!
FAQ
Why is Ireland Cricket Team Vs South Africa National Cricket Team Stats a Top Cricket Rivalry?
This matchup blends SA’s powerhouse history with Ireland’s rising grit, delivering upsets like the 2024 T20I win. Stats show close contests: Avg margin 50 runs/ wkts, with IRE’s 25% win rate post-2018.
How to Read a Cricket Scorecard?
Start with toss/bat order, then innings totals (runs/wkts/overs). Key: Partnerships, milestones (50s/100s), bowling figs (wickets-runs/overs). Extras/DRS add layers – e.g., 2024’s swing (2.1°) swung games.
What Are the Latest Ireland vs South Africa Match Results in 2024?
SA won ODI series 2-1; T20I series 1-1. Highlights: IRE’s 69-run ODI win (Stirling 88), SA’s 174-run ODI rout (Stubbs 112*).
Who Are Key Emerging Players in This Rivalry for 2025?
IRE: Harry Tector (avg 45 in ODIs), Ross Adair (T20I specialist). SA: Tristan Stubbs (ODI avg 60+), Jason Smith (debut 91).
How Has DRS Impacted Ireland vs South Africa Matches?
DRS overturned 15% calls in 2024 series – e.g., Markram’s lbw upheld, saving IRE. It adds edge to tight finishes.
Where to Find Live Ireland vs South Africa Scores?
Apps like Cricbuzz offer ball-by-ball updates, stats, and highlights for instant immersion.

