2nd ODI
Tristan Stubbs first ODI century has secured the series for South Africa team
South Africa scored 343/4 in 50 overs, where as Ireland scored 169 in 30.3 overs.
So, finally South Africa beat Ireland by 174 runs.
A maiden ODI century from Tristan Stubbs was pivotal in South Africa’s commanding victory in the second ODI against Ireland in Abu Dhabi.
Alongside Stubbs, every member of the top six contributed significantly, enabling South Africa to post a formidable total of 343, which proved insurmountable for Ireland, resulting in the series loss.
After winning the toss, South Africa confidently chose to bat first.
Following a cautious start, Temba Bavuma and Ryan Rickelton began to find their rhythm, with both openers hitting a six each in the 10th over bowled by Craig Young.
Bavuma capped off the over with a boundary, pushing the run rate past six for the first time.
However, against the run of play, Bavuma retired hurt with a wrist injury, bringing Rassie van der Dussen to the crease.
Unfortunately, van der Dussen’s stay was brief, as Rickelton quickly followed him back to the pavilion after chipping a catch back to the bowler, having scored 40.
The new pair didn’t take long to stabilize the innings, both hitting boundaries off Curtis Campher.
Unfortunately, another set batter departed soon after, with van der Dussen inside-edging onto his stumps.
Kyle Verreynne, who replaced Tony de Zorzi, capitalized on his opportunity, scoring a solid half-century.
By this time, Stubbs had settled in and looked in fine form, bringing up a stylish fifty off just 45 balls.
Ireland dismissed Verreynne shortly after he and Stubbs put together a partnership of over 100.
Despite a few quiet overs, South Africa accelerated in the final overs.
Graham Hume was taken to task by Stubbs, who hit two sixes and a four in one over, while Mark Adair also suffered, conceding three boundaries that helped Stubbs reach his thrilling century off just 75 balls.
Although Adair made a strong comeback in the final over, South Africa had already scored 61 runs in the last five overs, effectively batting Ireland out of the contest.
South Africa’s dominance was firmly established when Lungi Ngidi and Lizaad Williams struck early to dismiss both Irish openers.
Williams, who claimed four wickets in the first ODI, continued his rampage, taking two more in a single over to cripple the Irish batting lineup.
At 44 for 4, Ireland faced an uphill battle as wickets continued to tumble.
Ottneil Baartman further dented the Irish hopes at 50 for 5, and even Andile Phehlukwayo, with his gentle medium pace, caused difficulties for the batsmen.
Following a difficult outing on the field, Ireland found themselves in the midst of a second successive batting collapse.
Remarkably, all six South African bowlers who took the field picked up at least one wicket.
In a somewhat surprising turn, the last three Irish batters managed to add 73 runs, dragging their total from 85 for 7 to 169 all out, but this merely delayed the inevitable.
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