In a commanding performance, South Africa triumphed over Ireland by 174 runs in the second ODI held in Abu Dhabi, securing a series victory with a 2-0 lead ahead of the final match. The Proteas had previously won the first game by 134 runs, showcasing their dominance throughout the series.
Batting first after winning the toss, South Africa set a formidable total of 343 runs in their allotted 50 overs. Tristan Stubbs stole the show with a magnificent unbeaten century, scoring 112 runs off 102 balls. His innings marked his maiden one-day international century and came on the heels of a strong performance in the first match, where he scored 79 runs.
The innings began solidly for South Africa with openers Ryan Rickleton and captain Temba Bavuma establishing a strong foundation. Bavuma contributed 35 runs before retiring hurt due to an elbow injury, leaving the team at 68 without loss. Rickleton followed soon after, dismissed for 40 runs, which brought Rassie van der Dussen to the crease. Van der Dussen added 35 runs to the total, but it was the partnership between Stubbs and Kyle Verreynne that truly propelled South Africa’s score.
Verreynne played a crucial role, contributing 67 runs, while he and Stubbs put together a robust 103-run partnership for the third wicket. Stubbs continued his impressive form, forging another significant 92-run partnership with Wiaan Mulder, who chipped in with 43 runs. South Africa ultimately finished their innings at 343 for 4, a total that proved insurmountable for Ireland.
In response, Ireland struggled from the outset, losing their first two wickets cheaply. Openers Andrew Balbirnie and Paul Stirling were dismissed for just 7 runs each, leaving the team reeling at 7 for 2. Curtis Campher and Harry Tector attempted to stabilize the innings, adding 44 runs for the third wicket before Campher was dismissed for 17 runs.
Lizaad Williams then turned the tide firmly in South Africa’s favor by claiming two wickets in consecutive deliveries. Mark Adair and Gavin Hoey provided some resistance with scores of 21 and 23, respectively, but the Irish batting lineup crumbled under pressure.
The tailenders attempted a late fightback, with Graham Hume and Craig Young adding a spirited 52-run partnership for the last wicket. Hume scored 21 runs, while Young remained not out on 29. Ultimately, Ireland was bowled out for 169 in just 30.3 overs. Williams was the standout bowler for South Africa, finishing with impressive figures of 3 for 36, while Bjorn Fortuin and Lungi Ngidi chipped in with two wickets each.
With this win, South Africa not only secured the ODI series but also gained valuable momentum ahead of the final match on Monday. The team’s strong performances, particularly by players like Stubbs and Williams, bode well for their future contests.
As the series concludes, South Africa will be looking to build on their success, while Ireland will aim to regroup and salvage some pride in the final game. With the series already decided, both teams will likely take the opportunity to experiment and test their squad depth in the concluding ODI.