‘We thought it was chaseable’ - Aiden Markram rues missing out on 'small moments' after shock defeat to Ireland

South Africa faced a shock defeat against Ireland in the second T20I of their ongoing multi-format series. It is worth noting that South Africa had won the first T20I and aimed to win the second game to clinch the T20I series. However, Ireland had different plans. 

After Ireland posted a total of 195 runs in the first innings, South Africa only managed 185 in response as Ireland levelled the two-game series by winning the second T20I by 10 runs.  After the game, South Africa skipper Aiden Markram talked about what went wrong for his team. Markram revealed that they thought that the target was chaseable; however, Ireland made it tough for them throughout the second innings. 

“We thought it was chaseable for sure, both with the bat and the ball; small moments, it comes down to the small moments. It will be pretty much each to their own, you never really stop learning, we can reflect on an individual point of view as to how we can improve and win games for South Africa. Probably close to the end, lost wickets and they bowled well with good plans and executed well,” Markram said in the post-match presentation.

Hopefully we can bring it into the ODIs: Paul Stirling

Ireland skipper Paul Stirling also shared his thoughts, admitting that he was over the moon with the result and tying the series. He also hopes that Ireland would be able to replicate their performances in the upcoming ODI series against South Africa as well. 

“At half-way, we wanted an extra 15-20 runs. They squeezed us and we felt under-par. There was less dew (tonight) and we managed to get over the line. (On why wickets felt in clusters) You need time at the crease to get the pace of the wicket. That is what won us the game. With new batters coming in, you always have a chance. We are absolutely delighted (with the win). Could have gone either way. Over the moon (with the result) and hopefully we can bring it into the ODIs,” Stirling said.