In an exciting third ODI in Abu Dhabi on October 7, 2024, Ireland registered their second-ever victory over South Africa in the format, with a 69-run win that showcased both batting resilience and a stellar bowling effort. This match marked a turnaround for Ireland after two tough defeats earlier in the series, where they struggled under the lights.
South Africa, chasing 285 for victory, found themselves under immediate pressure as Ireland’s quick bowlers, aided by more swing under the lights, dismantled their top order. Despite a valiant 91 from Jason Smith in just his second ODI, Ireland’s total of 284 for 9, bolstered by key fifties from captain Paul Stirling and Harry Tector, proved too much for South Africa, who were bundled out for 215.
Ireland’s Batting Dominance Led by Stirling and Tector
For the first time in the series, Ireland won the toss and chose to bat, allowing them to avoid the challenges of facing the ball under lights. This decision paid off as Stirling (88) and Tector (60) led Ireland’s charge. Stirling, starting with a powerful cover drive off Lungi Ngidi in the opening over, made the most of the favorable conditions. Together with Andy Balbirnie, the pair put on a 101-run partnership — Ireland’s second-highest in ODIs against South Africa.
Balbirnie played a more cautious knock but picked up pace in the 13th over, hitting Ngidi for a six and capitalizing on loose deliveries from South African bowlers. After Balbirnie’s dismissal, Stirling and Curtis Campher added 58 runs, before Campher (27) was bowled by Baartman.
Stirling continued to punish the South African bowlers, including Lizaad Williams, who had been the standout in the series so far. His innings featured powerful shots, including a six over long-off off Ngidi and several boundaries. Unfortunately for Stirling, he fell 12 runs short of a century, bowled by Baartman for the second game in a row.
Tector, alongside a fit-again Lorcan Tucker (30), kept the scoreboard ticking with regular boundaries. Tector’s 60 off 48 balls was vital in pushing Ireland to a competitive total, although he was run out in the final over attempting to retain strike. Williams, despite earlier struggles, cleaned up Ireland’s lower order with 4 for 56, ending the series with 11 wickets.
South Africa’s Chase Falters Under the Lights
South Africa’s response began in the worst possible fashion, losing three of their top five batters inside the first 20 overs. The Irish quicks, finding appreciably more swing compared to the previous two matches (2.1 degrees vs 1.1 degrees), made early inroads. Mark Adair struck in the first over, dismissing Ryan Rickelton with a sharp delivery that caught the edge and found its way to the slip cordon. Rassie van der Dussen followed shortly after, trapped lbw by Adair.
Graham Hume joined the action by sending Reeza Hendricks back to the pavilion after just seven balls, leaving South Africa at 21 for 3. Kyle Verreynne (38) counter-attacked briefly but was pinned lbw by Craig Young as he missed a flick across the stumps.
Jason Smith and Tristan Stubbs attempted a recovery, but Stubbs edged Young to the keeper in the 20th over. Smith, playing with authority, took control of the scoring, driving the ball crisply on the offside and launching sixes over the leg side. Despite losing partners at regular intervals, Smith fought on, bringing up his maiden international fifty and quickly moving into the nineties with a series of boundaries.
However, his innings came to an end at 91, caught by Adair at deep point as he sliced a wide yorker from Hume. His 93-ball knock, featuring nine fours and four sixes, was the only substantial contribution from the South African side, with their top order falling cheaply. Hume (3-29) and Young (3-40) were the pick of the bowlers, while Adair’s early breakthroughs set the tone for Ireland’s defense.
Conclusion
Ireland’s convincing victory not only showcased their batting depth, with Stirling and Tector leading the charge, but also their bowling prowess in exploiting the swinging conditions under lights. For South Africa, despite Jason Smith’s gritty 91, the failure of the top order proved costly as they fell short of the target by 69 runs.
This win provided a much-needed boost for Ireland, though South Africa took the series 2-1. Nevertheless, Ireland’s performance in the final ODI was a clear statement of their capabilities and resilience.
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