Rickelton, Reeza fire Proteas to clinical win in opening T20 against Ireland

Ryan Rickelton and Reeza Hendricks half-centuries blasted the Proteas to a comfortable eight-wicket victory against Ireland in the first T20I at Sheikh Zayed Stadium.

The Proteas continue winning streak against Ireland and take a 1-0 lead in the two match T20I series, with the second T20 set on Sunday.

Chasing a modest 171 in Abu Dhabi, Rickelton and Hendricks were controlled and devastating from the start with the in-form Rickelton the main attacker.

In only his seventh T20, Rickelton brought up his maiden T20 half-century as he continued his fine form following the SA20 and T20 Challenge earlier in the year.

Rickelton and Hendricks shared a 136-run opening stand to put the Proteas in cruise control.

Hendricks eventually found his feet with the willow as he also notched a welcomed fifty as he scored 51 off 33 balls (hitting five fours and three sixes) before he was trapped LBW by Craig Young.

Rickelton followed in the next over, as he stepped back but his impact wasn't strong and he was caught for 76 off 48 balls (hitting three and six sixes).

With the Proteas only needing 34 runs to win, Matthew Breetzke (19*) and skipper Aiden Markram (17*) saw SA to victory with 14 balls remaining.

Earlier on, Ireland were sent to bat, making full use of a batting-friendly wicket and the new ball. However, the Proteas pulled back with Wiaan Mulder and Ottniel Baartman securing early breakthroughs.

Sitting at 64-3, a 59-run stand between Curtis Campher and Chris Rock formed as the Irish made use of fielding blunders and poor bowling.

Campher was close to his half-century but was caught off Patrick Kruger for 49 off 36 balls (hitting six fours and a six).

Rock made a valiant 37 as Kruger tore through the Irish middle-order, taking four wickets