South Africa too strong for Ireland in Bristol

A quickfire 39 from Heinrich Klaasen and five wickets for Wayne Parnell ensured South Africa won the second of their Twenty20 internationals against Ireland by 44 runs.

After losing the toss and being put into bat at Bristol, South Africa made 182 for six from their 20 overs, with opener Reeza Hendricks top scoring with 42 from 40 balls.

Hendricks was bowled by Gareth Delany with the first ball of the 12th over and the spinner then dismissed Aiden Markram for 27 two balls later to reduce South Africa to 85 for four.

However, Klaasen and captain David Miller then put on 71 for the fifth wicket to set their side on the way to a competitive total, Miller (32 not out) smashing three sixes and Klaasen hitting two maximums and five boundaries before departing for 39.

Ireland's reply got off to a nightmare start as Paul Stirling and captain Andrew Balbirnie were both dismissed by Parnell without scoring and only four batters reached double figures.

Harry Tector top scored with 34 from 31 balls but the most entertaining innings came from Barry McCarthy as he smashed 32 off 19 balls before being last man out as Ireland were dismissed for 138 with seven deliveries remaining.