[Watch] Ireland Register Historic ODI Win Over South Africa In Abu Dhabi
Ireland beat South Africa by 69 runs in 3rd ODI (Source: Screengrab@mufaddal_vohra/X.com)
The three-match ODI series between Ireland and South Africa have ended on a high note for Paul Stirling's Irish team as they registered a thumping 69-run win. It is their second win over the Proteas in ODI format and they thoroughly outplayed Rassie van der Dussen and his boys with both bat and ball.
Ireland batted first and their experienced openers, Paul Stirling and Andrew Balbirnie stepped up. The duo notched up a 101-run opening stand and set the stage for a big score. Balbirnie fell five short of his fifty but Paul Stirling carried on and had good partnership with Curtis Campher too. He eventually lost his wicket in the 35th over at a score of 88 but handy knocks from Harry Tector and Tucker took Ireland to a healthy total of 284.
Tector scored 60 off 48 balls while Lizaad Williams picked four wickets to make sure that Ireland do no cross 300-run mark. Baartman and Andile Phehlukwayo picked two wickets apiece.
Early Strikes Dent South Africa In Run Chase
The target was a competitive one, but South Africa were expected to nail it down. However, they got off to a poor start and were reduced to 10 for 3 in no time with Mark Adair and Hume bowling brilliantly with the new ball.
There was a brief partnership between Kyle Verreynne and Tristan Stubbs, but Craig Young got rid of both of them and South Africa lost their half of their side for 79. The wickets kept falling at regular intervals after that and it was only Jason Smith who displayed some composure. He scored 91 off 93 balls, but Smith got eventually fell in the 45th over and South Africa were bowled out for 215 with Graham Hume picking final wicket. He finished the match with three wickets while Craig Young also bagged three and the series have ended with a scoreline of 2-1 in favour of South Africa.