Parnell strikes as South Africa wrap up routine series win over Ireland

Wayne Parnell starred with the ball as South Africa won by 44 runs to complete a 2-0 T20I series victory over Ireland.

Medium-pacer Parnell took 5-30 on Friday in Bristol, leading South Africa's bowling attack as they successfully defended a total of 182-6.

Opening batsman Reeza Hendricks led the way in the Proteas' innings, striking six boundaries as he mounted 42 before succumbing to Gareth Delany, who with figures of 2-24 was the pick of Ireland's bowlers.

Hendricks' stand came to an end in the 13th over, with Delany taking his second wicket two balls later when he dismissed Aiden Markram, who had plundered 27 from just 10 balls.

Yet Heinrich Klaasen (39) and captain David Miller (32 not out) steered South Africa to a strong total, setting the stage for their bowlers to do the rest.

Parnell was on a hat-trick in his first over when he dismissed Andy Balbirnie and Lorcan Tucker for ducks, but Harry Tector (34) provided some resistance before also falling to Parnell, who had just sent Curtis Campher packing.

Dwaine Pretorius (3-33) took quickfire wickets to further damage Ireland's hopes, and he wrapped up the win when Barry McCarthy picked out Markram at deep midwicket after Parnell had sealed his five-for by dismissing Andy McBrine.

RESULT | SOUTH AFRICA WIN BY 44 RUNS Wayne Parnell (5/30) produced career-best figures as he spearheaded the #Proteas bowling attack to dismiss Ireland for 138 with 7 balls remaining and claim the series 2-0#IREvSA #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/TxpMdLtRhB

— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) August 5, 2022