Overview

Ireland v South Africa, 3rd ODI

The Village, Dublin

16 July, 10:45am local

Ireland’s rise up the ranks in the ICC Cricket World Cup Super League standings (powered by MRF Tyres) has been a result of a strong batting display that has powered them to fifth position with 35 points. 

Their captain Andy Balbirnie led by example in both the ODIs with a fifty in the first followed by a century in the second that set the tone for the hosts to take a 1-0 lead in the series.

It is not just the batting that has come to the party, the Irish bowling line-up has proven gravitas as well. To bowl out the Proteas batting to 247 after when they were cruising on 159/2 in the 32nd over was a remarkable feat.

Remember the last time

The hosts were provided with a stable platform to post a competitive first-innings total of 290/5 that proved more than enough with key contributions from every batter. South Africa in response had opener Janneman Malan taking control of the game but with wickets tumbling all around, they drifted away from a possible win and the team bundled out for 247, giving Ireland a 43-run win.

What they said:

Andrew Balbirnie (Ireland captain): “If you would have told me that we would have been up after two games, I would have taken that. It is the first time that we have beaten South Africa and that’s huge in itself. We have a chance to create history. We have a chance to beat South Africa in a series which will be unprecedented.” 

Temba Bevuma (South Africa captain):  "I wouldn't think we took it lightly [by resting de Kock and Ngidi]. There's a lot for us to work on, well done to them. The plan in the first powerplay was to take wickets. Our fielding let us down. The momentum was always on their side.”