Ireland host South Africa in the second T20I at Stormont, Belfast on 22nd July, Thursday. The first game saw the visitors push the minnows aside rather comfortably, winning by 33 runs.

The Irish had a dismal batting performance in the first. After somewhat restricting a full-strength South Africa side to 165/7, Ireland was reeling at 88/9 by the end of the 14th over. If not for a late inconsequential partnership between Barry McCarthy and Joshua Little, they would have lost by a far bigger margin. It was a disappointing comeback for Kevin O’Brien.

While he didn’t bowl a single ball, O’Brien was dismissed for a first-ball duck. Another experienced campaigner Paul Stirling endured a similar story almost. Ireland will expect a lot more from their seasoned players. Going into the second T20I, it’s unlikely that Ireland might tinker with their combination. It was pretty much their strongest XI in the first game. But expect the group to come back stronger in tonight’s game.

🎙: INTERVIEW

Mark Adair looks back at childhood memories of Stormont as the Irish squad prepares for the second T20I against South Africa.

➡️ https://t.co/PO9M9lydXM#BackingGreen ☘️🏏 pic.twitter.com/ZvTYarfFHN

— Cricket Ireland (@cricketireland) July 21, 2021

Although the scorecard suggests a comprehensive win, the Proteas will be disappointed with the way their batsmen fared. They got starts, but none were able to make a noteworthy contribution. Janneman Malan, the star of the ODI series, might be promoted back to the top of the order. With Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen and David Miller in the team, South Africa have a strong middle-order and expect them to stick with it.

With the ball in hand, Tabraiz Shamsi will once again lead the pack. He was the pick of the bowlers in the first T20, snaring four wickets. The No.1 T20I bowler continues to impress, and with George Linde also popping off, the spin department looks strong for the Africans. They will likely field the same eleven once again.

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Match Details

Match: Ireland vs South Africa, Second T20I

Date and Time: 22nd July 2021, 8:30 pm IST

Venue: Stormont, Belfast

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Pitch Report

The previous T20I at this venue was way back in 2015. Therefore, it’s hard to gauge what the surface has in store. The highest score in Stormont is 190, but anything above 160 is traditionally considered tough to chase here.

It should once again be rain-free weather, and spinners will find purchase in the pitch.

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Predicted Playing XI

Ireland: Andrew Balbirnie (c), Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, George Dockrell, Kevin O’Brien, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Simi Singh, Mark Adair, Shane Getkate, Joshua Little, Barry McCarthy

South Africa: Janneman Malan, Quinton de Kock (wk), Temba Bavuma (c), Rassie Van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, George Linde, Lizaad Williams, Tabraiz Shamsi, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi

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Ireland vs South Africa 2021: Second T20I – Dream11 Suggestions

Fantasy Suggestion 1: Quinton de Kock, Kevin O’Brien, Janneman Malan, Andrew Balbirnie, Rassie van der Dussen, Simi Singh, David Miller, Joshua Little, Tabraiz Shamsi, Kagiso Rabada, Barry McCarthy

Captain: Tabraiz Shamsi | Vice-captain: Kevin O’Brien

Fantasy Suggestion 2: Paul Stirling, Quinton de Kock, Aiden Markram, George Dockrell, Kevin O’Brien, David Miller, Simi Singh, Mark Adair, Tabraiz Shamsi, Kagiso Rabada, Barry McCarthy

Captain: Quinton de Kock | Vice-captain: Tabraiz Shamsi

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