IRE vs RSA: Skipper Andrew Balbirnie, bowlers help Ireland record historic maiden win over South Africa

The date of July 13, might be considered unlucky by many but would be recorded in the Irish cricket history in golden letters as this marks their first-ever win over South Africa, one of the powerhouses in world cricket. The Irish team led by skipper Andrew Balbirnie defeated the Proteas by 43 runs to take an unassailable 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series, the first game of which was washed out by rain. 

Chasing 291 to win, South Africa initially fancied itself to get there with ease when opener Janneman Malan and experienced and in form batter Rassie van der Dussen were batting at the crease. After initial dismissals of Aiden Markram and skipper Temba Bavuma, the duo had added 108 runs for the third wicket before the run rate pressure got to Malan and he hit one straight to Mark Adair stationed at long-on off the bowling off George Dockrell. 

Soon after, van der Dussen was given leg before wicket and he got slightly unlucky as the ball was just touching the stumps and he was found on the other side of the umpire’s call. That was the last hurdle it seems for the Irish unit as the Menin Green then launched a prolific plan and kept on mounting the run rate pressure, operating with Joshua Little at one end the spinner at the other. 

The wickets of Kyle Verreynne, David Miller and Andile Phehlukwayo all fell in tandem as Keshav Maharaj and Rabada hit a few lusty blows but to no avail, eventually getting bowled out for 247. For Ireland, Andy McBrine, Little and Adair took two wickets each while, Simi Singh, Craig Young and George Dockrell picked a wicket each. 

Earlier in the day, after being sent to bat first by South Africa, Ireland got a bit lucky as the Protea fielders drop one catch too many which is very unlikely of them. Making great use of that, 30-year-old Balbirnie struck partnerships with all batters including his opening partner Paul Stirling, McBrine and Harry Tector. The biggest of them came with Dockrell as the two added 70 off 73 balls and took Ireland 194 in the 42nd over. 

However, it was the hitting post the Balbirnie wicket that got Ireland to a comfortable target of 290. Tector and Dockrell added 90 off just 46 balls before falling in the last over. For the Proteas, Phehlukwayo was the most successful bowler with two dismissals in his 10 over spell, where he gave away 73 runs. Balbirnie was rightfully adjudged Man of the Match for his brilliant hundred (102 off 117 balls). 

With pressure to save the series on the Bavuma side and a golden opportunity for Balbirnie’ men to register a historic series win, the first one for them against South Africa and in the ICC CWC Super League, the two sides will meet each other at the same venue on Friday, July 16th.