Bavuma, Duminy star in big South Africa win

Temba Bavuma scored a century on his One-Day International debut on Sunday (September 25) while JP Duminy was the all-round star as South Africa registered up a comfortable 206-run win in its one-off ODI against Ireland at Willowmoore Park in Benoni.

Bavuma hit 113 in 123 balls in a South African total of 354 for 5 after it was asked to bat. In reply, Ireland was bowled out for 148 in 30.5 overs.

William Porterfield's gamble to field after winning the toss did not pay off as Bavuma and Quinton de Kock (82 in 66 balls) punished the Irish bowling in an opening partnership of 159.

Bavuma, who was dropped on one when he edged Peter Chase to Kevin O'Brien at second slip, took advantage of the let-off with a composed innings, reaching his half-century in 54 balls and his century in 110 deliveries. He hit 13 fours and a six in his innings.

Once Bavuma and de Kock were separated, Kevin O’Brien hitting de Kock’s stumps, and Craig Young accounted for Faf du Plessis (21 in 31 balls) and Bavuma, Duminy and Farhaan Behardien hit rapid half-centuries.

On a sluggish pitch, South Africa struggled to increase its scoring rate in the middle overs but Duminy (52 not out in 43 balls) and Behardien (50 in 22 balls) gave the innings impetus with a fifth-wicket stand of 87 in 40 balls before Behardien was dismissed off the last ball of the innings.

Porterfield was out to Kagiso Rabada without scoring to the second ball of the Ireland innings and it crumbled from thereon despite good hands from Paul Stirling (40 in 49 balls) and Kevin O'Brien (41 in 36 balls).

Duminy completed a good all-round day by taking a career-best 4 for 16.

The South African team included three new caps. Bavuma, established as a middle-order batsman in the Test side, was given his chance as an opener in the absence of Hashim Amla. Andile Phehlukwayo and Dwaine Pretorius also got their debuts. Pretorius returned 1 for 19 from his five overs, while Phehlukwayo had none for 22 from four. Wayne Parnell and Aaron Phangiso picked up two wickets apiece.

Ireland next plays Australia at the same venue on Tuesday before South Africa meets Australia in five ODIs, starting at Centurion on Friday.

For full scorecard of the match, click here.