South Africa claimed a comprehensive victory in the first ODI against Ireland Won by 139 runs at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Proteas produced an all-round team performance led by a brilliant knock of 91 runs. Ryan Rickelton and Lizaad Williams’ devastating bowling display to secure a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
South Africa’s strong start
After winning the toss and electing to bat, South Africa set a challenging target of 271/9 in 50 overs. Opener Ryan Rickelton was the top performer for the Proteas, hitting 91 off 102 balls, including seven fours and three sixes. His innings set the stage for South Africa’s total after first-order troubles.
South Africa lost Tony de Zorzi (14 off 12) and captain Temba Bavuma (4 off 4) cheaply, with the Irish bowlers making early breakthroughs. Rassie van der Dussen is dismissed for a duck, leaving South Africa at 39/3. However, Rickelton and middle-order pacer Tristan Stubbs (79 off 86) put together a crucial 152-run partnership for the fourth wicket, steadying the innings and allowing South Africa to recover.
Stubbs contributed significantly with his aggressive stroke play hitting 2 fours and 4 sixes. His partnership with Rickelton helped South Africa gain momentum. Late contributions from Bjorn Fortuin (28 off 34) and Lungi Ngidi (20 off 17) lifted South Africa’s total to a competitive score.
For Ireland, Mark Adair was the pick of the bowlers finishing with figures of 4/50 in 10 overs. He consistently troubled the South African batsmen, picking up crucial wickets, including the prized scalp of Stubbs. Craig Young also did well with 3/45 in 10 overs, while Graham Hume (1/42) and Andy McBrine (1/46) made important strides.
Despite their best efforts, Ireland’s bowlers could not prevent South Africa from putting up a solid score on the board.
Irish collapse on the ball
Chasing 272 against a disciplined South African bowling attack, Ireland never batted. Williams was deadly with the ball, claiming 4/32 in 10 overs and tearing through Ireland’s top order with speed and accuracy. Ngidi provided solid support taking 2/35, while Bjorn Fortuin (2/28) and Wiaan Mulder (1/11) also contributed.
Opener Paul Stirling was dismissed for just 2 runs in his 400th international, while captain Andy Balbirnie managed 20 off 28 balls, including 2 fours and a six. Curtis Campher also added 20 runs but Ireland’s middle order collapsed under the pressure. Harry Tector (12 off 9) and Stephen Doheny (3 off 8) couldn’t settle and wrecked the Irish innings.
George Dockrell (21 off 32) and Adair (12 off 22) tried to put up some resistance in the middle order but it was not enough to recover from early injury. Ireland were eventually bowled out for 132 in 31.5 oversFalling to 139 is not the target.
South Africa beat Ireland by 139 runs in the first ODI 🏏
– Excellent bowling display from South Africa 👏#cricket #IREVSA #southafricacricket #RyanRickelton #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/0Y1xLtkHUZ
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) October 3, 2024
Player of the Match
Ryan Rickelton was named Man of the Match for his crucial 91 which set the tone for South Africa’s commanding performance.
The second ODI is scheduled for Friday, October 4 at the same venue, where Ireland will hope to bounce back and level the series, while South Africa will look to continue their winning streak.
