Hendricks experience leads South Africa to win against Ireland despite Tucker blitz

It was a tale of four batsmen in Bristol, with Reeza Hendricks playing a key role as South Africa sealed a 21-run victory against Ireland in the first of two T20Is.

A partnership of 112 between Hendricks (74) and Aiden Markram (56) helped the Proteas to a total of 211-5 from their 20 overs.

Gareth Delany (2-31) dismissed both in consecutive deliveries, but additional help from Tristan Stubbs (24 from 11 balls) and Dwaine Pretorius (21 from 7) at the end of the innings ultimately made all the difference.

Ireland's reply got off to a steady start, but a middle order collapse left them on 84-5 after 9.2 overs.

Lorcan Tucker and George Dockrell stepped up to mount a comeback, with Tucker hitting 78 from just 38 balls, including seven fours and five sixes, while Dockrell ably supported with 43 from 28 deliveries.

However, like Hendricks and Markram, both were out to consecutive balls to Tabraiz Shamsi (2-37) and Pretorius (1-44), with Ireland's tail unable to produce the same support that South Africa's middle order had as they closed on 190-9.