In the first One-Day International (ODI) in Abu Dhabi, South Africa defeated Ireland by a commanding 139 runs, mainly because of an incredible 152-run partnership between Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs, which was crucial in saving their innings.
South Africa made a great start to the ODI series with this victory, especially considering that the T20I series had ended in a draw. Join betproexch for excellent cricket news.
Ryan Rickelton showed aggression from the game's outset, hitting the boundary with the opening ball.
But Ireland took command very soon after when Tony de Zorzi was forced to top edge a pull by Mark Adair's short delivery, which resulted in the first wicket.
After successfully contesting the judgment on review, Temba Bavuma was initially dismissed leg-before-wicket on his opening ball.
However, he was soon exposed by a brilliant delivery from Craig Young. At 39/3, Rassie van der Dussen also didn't last long, pushing Adair to third slip and putting South Africa in serious trouble.
South Africa had to steady their innings with more than 40 overs to go. They could manage only two runs in three overs throughout the next few overs as Tristan Stubbs broke the chains with a boundary.
Rickelton and Stubbs scored some big runs, but South Africa's run-scoring was still low until midway through their innings.
But Rickelton gained self-assurance and went on the attack after hitting fifty for the first time in his ODI career. Follow betproexch for the latest cricket news.
At last, South Africa started to exert some influence. He went on legspinner Gavin Hoey, slamming him for straight sixes and a boundary.
Stubbs also scored fifty runs, and the two players contributed to South Africa's progress towards a compelling conclusion.
The boundaries began to come in closer succession, and Stubbs' total increased by two sixes. Betproexch for cricket news.
Sadly, Rickelton was on 91 when he received an inside edge that smashed into the stumps, preventing him from reaching a century.
Ireland took advantage of this opportunity to mount a comeback when Adair got rid of Stubbs for 79 runs.
Ireland didn't let South Africa get much momentum in the last overs, as they kept picking up wickets regularly. Ultimately, South Africa reached a competitive total of 271/9 in their 50 overs because of Lungi Ngidi's undefeated 20.
Ireland's reply got off to a terrible start, losing six wickets in the first fourteen overs. Lungi Ngidi removed Paul Stirling in the first over of play, while Andy Balbirnie was removed a few overs later.
After that, Lizard Williams made his mark by quickly taking Curtis Camper's and Harry Tector's crucial wickets, leaving Ireland struggling at 61/5.
After that, Ireland kept losing wickets consistently, making the outcome appear inevitable.
Ireland's most excellent score, 21, was achieved by George Dockrell, highlighting their batting deficiencies. With just 132 runs scored in 31.5 overs, their innings ended, giving South Africa an easy victory.
With a 4/32 final average, Lizaad Williams was South Africa's top bowler, and Mark Adair was Ireland's best bowler with a 4/50. The second ODI between the two teams is scheduled for this Friday.
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