South Africa claimed a comprehensive victory in the first ODI against Ireland in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), winning by 139 runs at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium. The Proteas showcased an all-around team performance, headlined by a brilliant 91-run knock from Ryan Rickelton and a devastating bowling display by Lizaad Williams, 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 their 50 overs. Opener Ryan Rickelton was the standout performer for the Proteas, scoring a measured 91 off 102 balls, including seven fours and three sixes. His innings provided the foundation for South Africa’s total after early trouble in the top order.

South Africa lost Tony de Zorzi (12 off 14) and captain Temba Bavuma (4 off 4) cheaply, with Ireland’s bowlers getting early breakthroughs. Rassie van der Dussen was dismissed for a duck, leaving South Africa reeling at 39/3. However, Rickelton and middle-order batter Tristan Stubbs (79 off 86) built 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, smashing 2 fours and 4 sixes. His partnership with Rickelton helped South Africa regain momentum. Late contributions from Bjorn Fortuin (28 off 34) and Lungi Ngidi (20 not out off 17) boosted the total, taking South Africa to a competitive score.

For Ireland, Mark Adair was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with figures of 4/50 in his 10 overs. He consistently troubled the South African batters, picking up crucial wickets, including the prized scalp of Stubbs. Craig Young also had a good outing, taking 3/45 in his 10 overs, while Graham Hume (1/42) and Andy McBrine (1/46) chipped in with important breakthroughs.

Despite their best efforts, Ireland’s bowlers couldn’t prevent South Africa from putting up a solid score on the board.

Ireland’s batting collapse

Chasing 272, Ireland’s innings never really got going, as they struggled against South Africa’s disciplined bowling attack. Williams was lethal with the ball, claiming 4/32 in his 10 overs and breaking through Ireland’s top order with pace and precision. 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 appearance, while captain Andy Balbirnie managed a fighting 20 off 28 balls, including 2 fours and one six. Curtis Campher also added 20 runs, but Ireland’s middle order crumbled under pressure. Harry Tector (12 off 9) and Stephen Doheny (3 off 8) were unable to settle in, leaving the Irish innings in tatters.

George Dockrell (21 off 32) and Adair (12 off 22) tried to offer some resistance in the middle order, but it wasn’t enough to recover from the early damage. Ireland was eventually bowled out for 132 in 31.5 overs, falling 139 runs short of the target.

Player of the Match

Ryan Rickelton was named Player 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 aim to continue their winning momentum.

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