By:- B.T Team
Image Credit:- Google
Ireland and South Africa first faced off in cricket only in 2007 during the ICC T20 World Cup, where South Africa won by 42 runs.
3. South Africa's Long Cricket Ban:
Due to apartheid policies, South Africa was banned from international cricket from 1970-1991, preventing early matches with Ireland.
4. Ireland's Famous Victory:
Ireland stunned South Africa in 2016 with a remarkable victory in a one-off ODI, chasing down 242 runs with ease in Malahide, Dublin.
6. Irish Cricket's World Cup Struggles:
Ireland has faced South Africa twice in the ICC World Cup, losing both encounters in 2007 and 2011, despite valiant efforts
7. Rugby Upsets:
Ireland managed to beat South Africa in rugby three consecutive times from 2014 to 2017, showing their growing strength in the sport.
8. Kevin O’Brien’s Heroics:
In 2007, Kevin O’Brien took 3 wickets against South Africa in a T20 World Cup match, making him the highest wicket-taker for Ireland in that game.
The largest partnership in Ireland vs South Africa ODIs was 177 runs between Quinton de Kock and Rassie van der Dussen in 2021.
10. 2021 Rugby Thriller:
In November 2021, Ireland defeated South Africa 19-16 in a nail-biting rugby match, solidifying their place as one of rugby’s elite teams.