Ireland vs South Africa IRE and SA in UAE, 3 ODIs, 2024 Full Scorecard

OUT! CAUGHT! Bjorn Fortuin picks up his second. Ireland have been bundled out for 132 runs. It is tossed up, full and outside off. Hume dances down the track and chips it towards mid off. Ottneil Baartman stationed there makes no mistake.

Graham Hume uses his feet this time and defends the ball into the wicket.

Full one, outside off, turning away a bit. Hume works it to backward point off the outer half.

Pushed through quicker, around off. Young drills it into covers for a quick single.

Flatter, outside off. Young cuts it to deep point.

A sharp bouncer, on off. Hume sways away from the line of the delivery.

FOUR! Incredible shot. It is a bumper, outside off. Hume waits for it, opens the face late and glides it over short third.

Short one, outside off, with some extra bounce. Hume looks to chase it but misses.

LEG BYE! Wiaan Mulder serves a short ball, on the bodyline. Craig Young is caught by surprise here as it skids through. It goes towards the off side off the gloves. They cross for a leg bye.

A length ball, outside off. Hume slaps it behind point for a single.

On off, blocked out watchfully.

It is quicker and fuller, on leg. Young gets beaten on the inside edge but luckily the ball sneaks past the leg pole.

An arm ball, on middle and leg. Craig Young fails to tickle it away.

FOUR! SMACKED! It is full, outside off. Craig Young extends his arms and crunches it through the gap at covers for four runs.

Loops it up, full and on the pads. Young gets pinged on his pads. Sliding down leg.

SIX! HUGE! It is tossed up, full and on middle. Young uses his feet and smokes it over the bowler's head for a biggie.

Shorter, on off, skids through. Young works it back to the bowler.

A length ball, outside off, angling away once again. Graham Hume leans in and taps it into the gap at covers.

Short ball, angling across, outside off. Hume looks to chase it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

It is pitched up, outside off. Young drives it through covers. They take one.

Craig Young is the final batter in.

OUT! CAUGHT IN THE DEEP! Lizaad Williams picks up his fourth wicket. It is a short ball, on off. This one hurries on the batter. Andy McBrine tries to hoick it away but it catches the outside edge and flies towards deep square leg. Ottneil Baartman covers a lot of ground to his right in the deep, puts in a perfectly timed dive and grabs the ball cleanly.

Short again, in the channel. Andy McBrine defends it into covers.

Andy McBrine hangs back to this short ball and taps it to point.

Darted on the pads. Hume tries to clip it away by using his feet, but takes a blow on the pads instead. Just a single coming from this over.

Fuller, around middle. Hume defends it back to the bowler with a straight bat.

An arm ball once again, on the pads. Hume clips it to square leg for no run.

On the pads, clipped into mid-wicket by Hume.

Short one, outside off. Hume defends it back to the bowler.

Flatter, on off. McBrine knocks it to long on for a single.

Back of a length, on the body. Graham Hume blocks it from inside the crease.

A low full toss, outside off. Hume looks to hit it through the line but it catches the inside edge.

Much fuller this time, on off. Hume jams it out quickly.

A length ball angled in around middle. Hume blocks it out watchfully.

This time it is angled into the pads. Andy McBrine flicks it to square leg for a single.

A length ball, around off, blocked out solidly.

FOUR EDGY! It is full, outside off. Hume swings hard, it catches the outside edge and runs down to deep third for a boundary.

Flighted and full, outside off. Graham Hume tries to hit it through the line but it catches the toe-end of the blade.

Full, on middle defended back to the bowler.

Graham Hume is the new batter.

OUT! LBW! Bjorn Fortuin appeals and the finger does go up. Gavin Hoey has a chat with his partner and takes a review. It is an arm ball, full and around middle. Gavin Hoey tries to defend it out on his front foot but misses. The ball sneaks past the inside edge and pings him on his pads. The Ball Tracking shows three reds and the batter has to walk back this time. South Africa need 2 wickets to win the game.

It is looped up, around middle. Andy McBrine flicks it into mid-wicket for a single.

On off, blocked out.

A single as this is tucked around the corner.

On off. This is punched to the mid off fielder.

A single as this is pushed past cover for one.

Around off. Blocked.

OUT! TIMBER! Another one bites the dust. Wiaan Mulder picks up his first wicket of the night. Length and outside off. Dockrell looks to push at it away from the body. He gets an inside edge onto the stumps.

Shorter and around off. This is pushed past cover for one.

On off. Defended nicely.

Anfled into the pads. This is flicked through square leg. Three taken.

Angled into the pads. This is worked through mid-wicket for one.

On the off pole. Kept out.

Fuller and on off. This is eased down to long off for one.

Shorter and on off. This is pushed to cover.

On a good length and around off. This is pushed to cover.!

Around off.  Blocked.

On the pads again. This is tucked on the leg side for one.

Angled into the pads. This is worked to mid-wicket.

Two! On middle. This is worked wide of mid on. Easy two.

A single now as this is nudged on the leg side.

Around off. This is pushed to cover.

On middle. This is flicked but to mid-wicket.

On middle. This is worked to mid-wicket.

On off. This is pushed through covers for one more.

On the shorter side. This is punched past cover for one.

Outside off. This is pushed past cover. Another run.

On middle. This is worked to mid-wicket.

FOUR! Nicely played! Fuller and outside off. This is driven through covers and the ball races away to the fence.

Angled into the pads. This is worked through square leg for one.

Angled into the pads. Dockrell looks to flick but misses. It hits the pad and rolls on the leg side. A leg bye taken.

Angled into the pads. This is tucked on the leg side for one.

OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! Another one bites the dust! 6 down now! Length and around off. Adair looks to run it down to third man but this goes off the outside edge and it is taken by the keeper.

A single to end then! On the pads. Adair plays it though square leg for one.

On middle. This is nudged on the leg side. A run taken.

Shorter and outside off. This is pushed past cover. A run taken.

Around middle. Adair plays it to mid-wicket.

On middle. Flatter. This is worked to mid-wicket.

Steps out! This is flatter and on middle. Kept out.

Slower one, full and on off. George Dockrell defends it into covers.

Good length, outside off, shaping back in. George Dockrell taps it out to point.

George Dockrell this time cuts the short ball to sweeper cover for two runs.

FOUR! Top shot. It is a short ball, wide of off. George Dockrell stays back and lofts it over covers for a fine boundary.

Full ball, sliding down leg. Mark Adair clips it to deep square leg for one.

Back of a length, outside off. George Dockrell upper cuts it towards deep third for one.

Slower ball, on a length, swinging away once again. Mark Adair shoulders his arms at it.

On a length, outside off, swinging away. Mark Adair watches it sail past him.

Ottneil Baartman bends his back hard and serves a bouncer, on middle. Mark Adair sways away from the line of the delivery.

FOUR! Nicely played. It is a good-length ball, on off. Mark Adair shuffles, and pulls it through mid-wicket for a much-needed boundary.

Short, wide of off. George Dockrell cuts it towards sweeper cover. One taken.

A length ball, outside off, shaping away. George Dockrell pushes it to point and denies the single.

It is very full, on the pads. Mark Adair tucks it through mid-wicket. The batters come back for two runs.

George Dockrell punches this length ball through the gap at covers for one run.

A sharp bouncer, around middle. George Dockrell tries to chase it but pulls out of it at the very end.

On the pads, tucked into the leg side but only to find the fielder.

Williams with a length ball, around off. Squares up Adair this time. The ball rolls towards point off the outer half. One taken.

Back of a length, outside off. George Dockrell gets on his toes and tries to go over point, but does not connect well. It falls short of the fielder. One taken.

On a length, around off. Mark Adair works it to the right of the slip fielder off the outside edge. Could not beat the man though. A probing over from Ottneil Baartman comes to an end.

A sharp bumper, outside off. Mark Adair leaves it alone for the keeper.

A length ball, around off, nipping away. George Dockrell works it towards short third off the outside edge. One taken.

Pitched up, around off. Adair clips it into mid-wicket for one.

Back of a length, outside off. Mark Adair leaves it alone for the keeper.

A huge appeal for lbw but turned down. Temba Bavuma has a long chat with his bowler and takes the review. It is a good-length ball, around off. Mark Adair shuffles and tries to flick it away but misses. He gets pinged on his pads. UltraEdge shows no bat is involved. The Ball Tracking shows that it is umpire's call on impact and the ball hitting the wickets. Since the on-field decision is not out, the original decision stands.

A length ball, on top of off. George Dockrell blocks it wisely from inside the crease.

Fuller one, on the pads. Mark Adair tucks it through square leg for one.

Good length, around off, blocked out.

A length ball, around middle. Adair comes across and flicks it into the leg side.

Short ball, outside off. George Dockrell goes for the cut, but it catches the outside edge and runs down to deep third for one.

Good length, around off. Dockrell pushes it into the off side.

Outside off. Adair looks to drive but is beaten.

Mark Adair is the new batter in.

OUT! TIMBER! There goes another one! Length and around off. This jags back in. Doheny looks to defend but it goes between bat and pad and hits the stumps.

HALT! Tony de Zorzi is down in the deep. His knee gets stuck in the field, and might've injured himself in the process. The umpire signals a DRINKS BREAK! South Africa have been lethal with the new ball. Especially Lizaad Williams who is picking up wickets for fun. The ball is talking much more under the lights, Ireland need a stand that gets them back in the contest. So far it is a one-way traffic.

Two! Banged in short and outside off. This is flayed past point for two.

On the stumps. Blocked well.

On middle. Blocked.

On middle. This is worked to mid-wicket.

Around off. Length. This is pushed to cover.

OUT! Taken! Another one bites the dust! This is short and on middle. Campher looks to pull. This goes off the splice towards mid on. A simple catch is taken.

Outside off. Goes shorter. Campher looks to cut but misses.

On middle. Camper gets right behind the line and keeps it out.

On middle. Kept out.

Back of a length and on off. This is pushed to cover.

On a good length and around off. Blocked again.

Two more! Shorter and outside off. This is guided past point for two.

Outside off. Not played at.

FOUR! Nicely played! Fuller and on off. This is driven hard through covers. This one races away too.

On the stumps. Defended.

Around off. Blocked.

On middle. Doheny works it to mid-wicket.

Stephen Doheny is the new batter in.

OUT! LBW! A loud appeal and the finger is raised! Tector reviews but if no bat, that looks out. No bat! OUT! Three reds and Tector falls! Length and on off. This lands and jags back in. Tector looks to defend but this comes back in and hits the pad. Ireland in big trouble now.

FOUR MORE! Even better! Length and around off. Tector shows the full face of the bat and strokes it down the ground and to the long off fence.

Outside off. Left alone.

FOUR! Through covers. Lovely shot! Fuller and around off. This is driven through covers and this one races away to the fence.

A length ball, around off. Curtis Campher pushes it to point for one.

Powerplay 1 comes to an end. Now, 4 fielders can be placed outside the 30-yard circle until the end of the 40th over.

A length ball, around off. Harry Tector blocks it out solidly from inside the crease.

Slower one, on a length, outside off. Tector lets it be.

Good length, on off. Tector gets behind the line to deal with it this time.

Full ball, around off. Harry Tector blocks it into covers quite watchfully.

FOUR! Lucky boundary. It is a bit fuller, outside off, shaping away a bit. Harry Tector gets a thick outside edge, as he leaves his blade hanging away from his body. The ball rolls past the slip fielder and finds the boundary.

A length ball, on the pads. Curtis Campher clips it to short fine leg. They cross for one.

Harry Tector is the new batter in.

OUT! TIMBER! Lizaad Williams finally has a smile on his face. He lost a review for his side, but redeems himself by striking in the very same over. A peach of a delivery from Williams to get rid of Andy Balbirnie. It is a length ball, that lands outside off and nips in sharply off the deck. Andy Balbirnie looks to defend it out on his front foot but fails to get any bat on it. The ball sneaks through the gap and hits the top of off.

Full one, tailing in around leg. Andy Balbirnie pushes it to mid on.

Length, on middle. Andy Balbirnie blocks it out from inside the crease.

A huge appeal for LBW but turned down. Temba Bavuma goes for the review here. It is a length ball, that lands around off, and nips in sharply. Andy Balbirnie hangs back to this delivery and tries to defend it from inside the crease. The ball sneaks past the inside edge and hits him high on the pads. The UltraEdge confirms no bat is involved. The Ball Tracking shows that the ball is missing the wickets. South Africa lose a review.

WIDE! Full one, sliding down leg. Andy Balbirnie fails to get any wide on it. Wide called.

Good length, outside off, moving away. Andy Balbirnie taps it out to point.

Lizaad Williams angles in a length ball, outside off, on the fourth stump line. It straightens a bit after hitting the deck. Andy Balbirnie looks to defend it out but the ball zips past the outside edge.

Much fuller this time, wide outside off, nips away once again. Campher slashes hard through the line, but once again only manages to connect with thin air.

Back of a length, outside off, moving away from the surface. Curtis Campher looks to have a poke at it but only to get beaten.

FOUR! Curtis Campher picks it up nicely. Ottneil Baartman bangs in a hard length, on off. This one sits up nicely for Campher, who rolls his wrists nicely and pulls it beside mid on for a cracking boundary.

Back of a length, on middle. Curtis Campher hangs back, tucks it to square leg for none.

Shorter one, on middle. Curtis Campher drags his pull into mid-wicket but cannot get it past Tony de Zorzi there.

It is full, in the channel. Curtis Campher prods and jams it into the off side.

SIX! EDGY STUFF! Lungi Ngidi serves a short ball, on the body line. This one skids off the surface. Andy Balbirnie swings hard across the line. It catches the top-edge and flies over the keeper's head for a biggie.

Back of a length, outside off. Andy Balbirnie gets behind the line and defends it out.

Andy Balbirnie punches this length ball into the off side but not in the gap.

A length ball, on off. Andy Balbirnie remains solid in his defense.

Fuller one, around off, pushed into covers.

FOUR! Easy pickings. Too straight, angling down leg. Andy Balbirnie gets some blade on it and tickles it down to fine leg for four runs.

Lizaad Williams converts it into a maiden over. Shorter one, on off. Curtis Campher blocks it out solidly.

Pitched up, outside off. Campher drives it to mid off nicely, but only to find the fielder. Five dots on the trot now.

Full ball, wide of off, swinging further away. Curtis Campher looks to chase it but misses.

Good length, around middle. Curtis Campher gets his blade up in time and eases it back to the bowler.

Much fuller this time, angled into the right-hander, on middle and leg. Curtis Campher gets on his front foot and blocks it out.

Back of a length, in the channel. Curtis Campher stays inside the crease and blocks it under his eyes.

Outside off. This is guided past point for one.

On middle. This is worked through mid-wicket for one.

Length and on off. Defended.

WIDE! Well wide outside off. Left alone again by Andy Balbirnie.

WIDE! This is well wide outside off. Left alone.

Flatter and on middle. Blocked out.

Length again and around off. This is pushed to cover.

Angled into the pads. This is nudged to mid-wicket.

On the pads. Curtis works it to mid-wicket.

On the stumps. This is pushed to mid off.

Around off. Blocked.

Good length again and around off. Defended.

SIX! Makes full use of the Free Hit. This is short and on middle. Campher looks to pull. This flies off the top edge and sails over the fine leg fence.

Angled into the pads. Campher works it to mid-wicket. This is a no ball as he has overstepped. Free Hit coming up.

Outside off again. Length. Not played at.

On off. Good length. Defended.

Angled into the pads. Campher works it to square leg.

Outside off. Length. Left alone.

Three! Angled into the pads. This is clipped through mid-wicket. The fielder at mid-wicket, hares after it and keeps it down to three.

Outside off. Left alone.

Fuller and on off. This is driven but to mid off.

On middle. Andy works it around the corner and takes one.

Some nice swing away. The line is outside off. Left alone.

FOUR! That's timed brilliantly! First boundary of the chase! Length and around off. This is driven on the up, it races away through covers and into the fence behind.

On middle. This is flicked but to mid-wicket.

Outside off. Not played at.

Around off. Good length.  Blocked.

Lizaad Williams to bowl from the other end.

End of a successful over by Ngidi! Another one on a length but this time outside off. Not played at.

Length and on off. Campher gets right behind the line and keeps it out.

Curtis Campher comes in at number 3.

OUT! TIMBER! Chops it on. That's a massive wicket in the first over. Perfect start for the visitors! Length and outside off. This one stays a touch low. Paul looks to push at it away from the body. It goes off the inside edge and hits the stumps.

Stirling is underway! Fuller and outside off. This is driven through covers. Two taken.

Andy and Ireland are underway! Length and on middle. This is worked to mid-wicket. The fielder dives and makes a half stop. Run taken.

Ngidi starts off with one on a length and around off. Defended.

Just the single to end! Around off. This is pushed through covers for one.

Outside off. This is guided down to third man for one.

Shorter and around off. This is pushed but to cover.

SIX! That's a massive hit! One of the best shots today. Fuller and on off. This is lofted down the ground and over the long off fence.

Half a chance! On off. A slower one. Nigidi looks to go big but it goes off the toe end. Cover sets off but is slow in running towards the ball. He fails to get to it. Two taken.

On middle. This is worked through square leg for one.

FOUR! Bonus runs again! A full toss around off. Nigidi drives it towards mid off. The fielder lets it through and this one races away to the fence.

A bumper. Ngidi evades it.

WIDE! Down the leg side. Wided.

Length and around off. This is punched but to cover.

On middle. This is worked through mid-wicket for one.

OUT! Yet another catch for Andy Balbirnie! A good little innings by Bjorn Fortuin. He'll feel a touch unduly here. He nailed that. Shorter and on middle. This is pulled hard. Right off the middle. Straight to mid-wicket though and it is taken by the fielder there.

Two more! Shorter and on middle. This is pulled through square leg. In the gap. Two taken.

Ngidi plays the last ball out! Around off. Good length. This is pushed to cover.

Takes one now! On the pads. This is worked on the leg side for one.

FOUR MORE! Down the leg side. This is pulled. It goes past the short fine leg fielder and it reaches the fence. Top shot and this is a top innings.

Slworr and angled into the pads. Fortuin looks to pull but misses.

FOUR! Through the legs. He should have done better there! This is short and on middle. This is pulled through mid-wicket. The fielder in the deep, runs to his left but takes his eyes off the ball just as he goes to pick it up. It goes for a boundary behind. Bonus.

Nicely played! Slightly shorter. This is punched wide of the cover fielder. Two taken.

Around off. This is pushed past cover for one.

Swing and a miss! Shorter and outside off. Bjorn Fortuin looks to pull but misses it.

On middle. Ngidi just tucks it around the corner for one.

Angled into the pads. This is worked through square leg. Another run taken.

Outside off. This is guided past point and a run is taken.

On the shorter side and around off. This is pushed past cover. Two taken.

On middle. Fuller. This is pushed down to long on for one.

Slightly shorter and on the body. Ngidi evades it.

Good length and around off. Blocked.

Angled into the pads. This is worked through square leg for one.

Shorter and on the body. This is pulled down to fine leg for one.

Slower and on middle. This is worked through square leg for one.

A single to end the over. Back of a length, on middle. Bjorn Fortuin backs away, mistimes his pull to deep square leg. It lands safely. They take one. Craig Young now has three wickets to his name.

Full one, tailing into the pads. Lungi Ngidi flicks it to square leg for one.

Length ball, on top of off. Ngidi gets behind it nicely and blocks it out.

OUT! CAUGHT! Craig Young picks up his third wicket of the night. The slower one does the trick here. He bangs in a short ball, on the bodyline. This one rushes onto the batter. Lizaad Williams tries to hoick it across the line but does not hit it too well as it goes straight down the throat of the fielder in the deep. Harry Tector pouches it safely. Lungi Ngidi now comes out to bat.

Slower one, an off-cutter this time, around off. Williams blocks it out watchfully.

FOUR! EDGY! A length ball this time, sliding down leg. Lizaad Williams tries to tickle it away, but it catches the gloves, beats the keeper and runs down to the fine leg fence.

No pace once again, wide of off, on the fuller side. Bjorn Fortuin leans in and carves it through covers. Two runs taken.

Slower bumper, wide of off. Bjorn Fortuin taps it to point for no run.

A dot ball! Hume goes wide of the crease and angles in a length ball, around off. Bjorn Fortuin blocks it into mid-wicket off the inner half.

It is a length ball, angling across. Williams gets it to deep third off the outer half. The batters take a single.

A bit shorter this time, outside off, nipping in a touch. Bjorn Fortuin comes down the wicket, tucks it into the leg side for a single.

A length ball, around middle and off. Williams pushes it into covers and hares across for a quick single.

Floated and full, around off. Bjorn Fortuin defends it out solidly. Gavin Hoey remains wicketless on his debut.

Pushed through quicker, on off. Lizaad Williams pushes it to long on for one.

Around off, blocked.

FOUR! Nicely played. It is tossed up, full and outside off. Lizaad Williams gets low and nails the reserve sweep through short third for four runs.

Another single now as Fortuin drives this full ball into covers.

Flatter, around off. Williams gets inside the line and ramps it towards fine leg. One taken.

Back of a length, in the channel, angling across. Williams dabs it through backward point for one.

Good length, wide outside off. Williams dabs it towards short third.

OUT! CAUGHT IN THE DEEP! South Africa lose their seventh wicket. Ireland are in a hurry to finish things off here. It is a short ball, on the slower side, wide of off. Wiaan Mulder hangs back, swivels and pulls it towards deep square leg. Harry Tector comes in from the deep and takes it comfortably. Lizaad Williams walks out to bat now.

A length ball, in the channel. Fortuin waits for it, and dabs it through short third for one.

A sharp bumper this time, on middle. Bjorn Fortuin looks to chase it but misses.

Craig Young charges in and serves a slower ball, on a length, on off. Fortuin waits for it and blocks it out watchfully.

Three dots on the trot to end the over. Wiaan Mulder gets on his front foot to this full ball and drives it straight to the fielder at extra covers.

Slower, full and on leg. Mulder blocks it back to the bowler.

Loops it up, around off. Mulder blocks it from inside the crease.

Full and outside off. Fortuin drives it through covers for a single.

Flatter, outside off. Mulder chops it to point for one more.

Short ball, around off. Bjorn Fortuin goes back and punches it into covers for one.

A short one on middle. This is pulled through mid-wicket for one.

Flatter and on off. Blocked.

This is banged in short and on middle. Ducked under.

Length and around off. Blocked.

On middle. Mulder works it through mid-wicket and takes one.

Around off. Flatter. This is pushed to cover.

Flatter and on off. This is pushed through covers for one.

Flatter and outside off. Bjorn Fortuin looks to play the reverse sweep but misses. The keeper fails to collect it cleanly. A bye taken.

On the stumps. This is pushed to cover again.

Around off. This is pushed through covers for one.

On middle. Bjorn Fortuin worls it to mid-wicket for one.

On off. Another drive but to covers again.

On a good length. Around off. Mulder pushes it to cover.

Around off. This is guided to point for one.

Fuller and around off. This is driven but to cover.

Who walks in now? It is Bjorn Fortuin.

OUT! TAKEN! Another one bites the dust! Three wickets in no time! South Africa losing their way. Ireland into the bowlers now. Soft dismissal. This is fuller and around off. Andile drives but this holds in the surface a touch and lobs to cover. A simple catch for the fielder there.

Shortish and outside off. Andile looks to push at it but is beaten.

WIDE! Down the leg side. Wided.

Fuller and on middle. This is driven to mid off.

A single to end! Shorter and on off. This is pushed through covers for one.

Tossed up on off. This is pushed to cover.

Quicker and around off. Defended.

A single now this is pushed through covers.

Around off. This is punched to the cover fielder.

Flatter and on middle. Blocked.

Length and around off. Defended.

OUT! TAKEN! That's a seriously good catch. Two in quick succession for the hosts and they are right back into the game. Shorter and outside off. Stubbs pulls it hard but towards mid-wicket. Andy Balbirnie reacts well to his right and takes it. Both the set batters out of here now. Andile Phehlukwayo comes in to bat now.

On middle. Shorter. This is pulled through square leg for one.

Length and around off. This is pushed to cover.

FOUR! Mulder's first boundary! Angled into the pads. This is whipped through square leg. The fielder in the deep has no chance.

Length and around off. Mulder pushes it to covers.

WIDE! Down the leg side. Wided.

Wiaan Mulder gets off the mark straightaway. Floated and full, outside off. Mulder drives it through covers for one.

OUT! CHOPPED ON! Andy McBrine finally finds the breakthrough for Ireland. It is tossed up, full and wide outside off. Ryan Rickelton tries to drive it through the line, but without any feet movement. The ball catches the inside edge and crashes into the stumps. A heart-breaking moment for Ryan Rickelton as he walks back on 91. A huge wicket for Ireland against the run of play. Wiaan Mulder is the new batter in for South Africa.

Tristan Stubbs uses his feet and knocks this full ball towards long on. One taken.

Way too full, outside off. Stubbs crunches it towards wide of long off. They take two runs. The stand moves to 150.

An arm ball, on middle and leg. Ryan Rickelton goes back and pushes it down the park for a single.

On the pads, Stubbs flicks it through square leg. One taken.

A length ball, outside off. Stubbs eases it to mid on for one.

Full toss, outside off. Stubbs tries to go after it but fails to beat Paul Stirling at covers.

WIDE! The umpire once again extends his arms in this over. A slower bouncer, it shapes down the leg side. Stubbs tries to hoick it away but misses.

Mark Adair serves it full, in the channel. Stubbs prods and blocks it into the deck.

WIDE! Adair errs in his line this time. A length ball, sliding down leg. Stubbs looks to chase it but misses.

Length, around off, blocked out.

FOUR! Cracking shot. It is short, with some extra bounce. Stubbs gets on top of the bounce and pulls it powerfully though mid-wicket for four runs.

Short ball, around off. Ryan Rickelton carves it towards deep point for one.

A couple of dots to end the over. A leg spinner, outside off, on the shorter side. Tristan Stubbs backs away and looks to cut it away. He misses it though.

Slower one, wide of off. Stubbs drags his attempt into covers.

Short, on middle. Ryan Rickelton pulls it through mid-wicket for one.

On the pads, flicked into the leg side.

Tristan Stubbs now sweeps this full ball to deep square leg for one.

SIX! BANG! Tristan Stubbs now moves to 69 runs. It is tossed up, on middle. Stubbs gets under it and smokes it over the long on fence for a biggie.

Drinks break! South Africa are putting up a solid fightback here. They are turning the tide towers them courtesy Rickelton and Stubb. Ireland are in desperate need of a wicket of they'll be chasing a massive score here.

Shortish, in the channel. Ryan Rickelton punches it to the left of sweeper cover. They take two runs.

A length ball, on the pads. Ryan Rickelton flicks it through mid-wicket for no run.

Tristan Stubbs now rotates the strike as he gets on top of this short ball and pulls it towards deep mid-wicket.

Much fuller, on middle and leg. Tristan Stubbs clips it into mid-wicket.

Young serves a length ball, around leg. Ryan Rickelton hangs back and pushes it into covers for one.

On the pads, tucked into mid-wicket for no run.

Around off, blocked out solidly. 7 runs come from this over.

A single now as Ryan Rickelton punches this length ball from inside the crease.

Full and on off. Stubbs drops it in front of extra covers and crosses.

Full ball, around off. Ryan Rickelton pushes it into covers for one.

FOUR! Nicely played. Tossed up, full and on middle. Ryan Rickelton gets low and sweeps it through square leg for a boundary.

Short ball, around off. Ryan Rickelton puhses it out into covers.

Goes short and on middle. This is pulled through square leg for one.

Legnth and on off. Stubbs punches it past the cover fielder and gets to the other end.

Flatter and on off. This is pushed past cover for one.

WIDE! Short but down the leg side. Wided.

Shortish and on middle. This is pulled through square leg for one.

SIX! That's a seriously good shot. Steps down the wicket. Makes it into a half volley and lofts it over the long off fence for a biggie.

Fullish and around off. This is pushed past cover. Two taken.

Length and around off. Ryan pushes it to cover.

Two! Brings out the sweep. This is hit through square leg. Two taken.

Tossed up, fuller and on off. This is driven to cover.

Around off. This is pushed past cover for one.

Flatter and on off. Stubbs punches it to cover.

Flatter and on middle. This is pushed down to long on for one.

Around off. Stubbs pushes it to cover for one.

Around off. Ryan pushes it past cover and takes one.

FOUR! Raining boundaries now off the bat of Rickelton. Short and wide outside off. He flays it past point and this one races away to the fence.

Angled into the pads. Stubbs tucks it around the corner and gets to the other end.

On middle. This is nudged on the leg side for one.

On middle. This is worked past mid-wicket for one.

Flatter and on off. This is pushed past cover for one.

Fuller and on off. This is driven to cover.

FOUR! Deft! Flatter this time and outside off. Ryan waits and then guides it past short third man. This races away to the fence. The stand now moves to 95 runs.

SIX! Two in a row! Over the leg side. Ryan on the charge! On middle. The slog sweep is out and it goes well over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

SIX! Gets hold of this one! Tossed up on middle. Ryan gets down on one knee and hits it over the long on fence for a biggie.

Very full and on off. This is pushed down to long off for one.

On middle. This is worked through square leg for one.

On the shorter side. Ryan punches it past cover for one.

Fuller and around off. Stubbs pushes it through covers for one.

Fifty for Ryan Rickelton! His good form continues. A knock under pressure. He needs to keep going though. Outside off. This is guided through point for one.

Back of a length and on off. This is pushed past cover for one.

Angled into middle. Stubbs works it to mid-wicket.

A googly, around middle. Tristan Stubbs tucks it into mid-wicket for another single. He will retain the strike here. These two batters are doing a stunning job to keep their side in the game.

It is floated and full, outside off. Ryan Rickelton lofts it over the off side for one.

A single now as Stubbs knocks this length ball down to long on.

SIX! THIS IS HUGE! Ryan Rickelton now trying to clear his intent. It is tossed up, full and on off. Tristan Stubbs uses his feet, gets to the feet and smokes it over the long on fence for a maximum.

Full ball, around off. Ryan Rickelton works it to long on for one.

On a length, outside off. Stubbs makes some room and slashes it to deep point for one.

Two dots on the trot to end the over. A length ball, that starts on leg stump, and nips away from the left-hander. Ryan Rickelton blocks it solidly under his eyes.

A length ball, angling across, outside off. Ryan Rickelton knocks it towards mid off, but unable to find the gap.

Full this time, tailing in around middle. Stubbs clips it into the leg side for one.

A length ball, outside off, nips in a bit. Tristan Stubbs shuffles, tries to go for the scoop shot, but does not get any blade on it

Graham Hume pushes this full ball down to mid off for a single. 100 up for South Africa.

Good length, angling across, outside off. Ryan Rickelton looks to push it through the line but misses. The ball zips past the outside edge.

A couple to end the over. Andy McBrine serves a googly this time, around leg. Tristan Stubbs makes some room and pushes it into covers. The batters take two runs.

Another single now as Ryan Rickelton hangs back to this length ball and pushes it towards mid on.

Quicker and fuller, on middle. Stubbs pushes it to long on for one.

Tristan Stubbs uses his feet this time, gets to the pitch and eases it back to the bowler.

An arm ball, around middle. Ryan Rickelton clips it into the leg side for one more.

Full, on off. Ryan Rickelton reverse-sweeps it through point. Two runs taken.

It is floted and full, outside off. Stubbs eases it into the off side, no run is the call as he hits it straight to the fielder there.

Two dots on the trot here. Hume trying to find his momentum. It is a length ball, outside off. Stubbs punches it into covers for none.

Tristan Stubbs gets behind this line of this length ball, in the channel and blocks it out.

Pitched up, wide of off. Stubbs leans in and pushes it through covers for two runs.

A length ball this time, outside off, it nips in a touch. Stubbs leaves it alone for the keeper.

SIX! BANG! This is what South Africa were looking for. It is a good-length ball, outside off. This one sits up nicely. Tristan Stubbs gets under it and smokes it over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

Full one, on off. Stubbs tucks it into mid-wicket for one.

Outside off, blocked on the front foot.

This is flighted and full, outside off. Stubbs shuffles across, and tries to scoop it away. The ball catches the lower half and ends up lobbing off his body. It lands safely though in front of him.

Ryan Rickelton now goes back to this loopy ball, around off, gets under it and lofts it over covers for a single.

An arm ball, full and on off. Ryan Rickelton eases it back to the bowler.

It is full, outside fof. Stubbs drives it through covers for one.

A single to end! On off. Stubbs punches it to long off and gets to the other end.

Outside off. Ryan chops it towards point for one.

Around off. This is punched past cover for one more.

On middle. This is pushed down to long on for one.

Lovely! The googly, he gets it to turn away from the off pole. Ryan is beaten as he looks to defend.

Tossed up on middle. This is defended back to the bowler.

On off. This is pushed down to long off for one.

On middle. Stubbs works it through square leg and takes one.

Fuller and outside off. This is pushed wide of sweeper cover for two.

On middle. This is pushed down to long on. Another run taken.

Flatter and around off. This is pushed past cover for one.

Around off. Tossed up. Defended.

Another single as this is eased down to long off.

The googly, this is pushed past cover for one.

On middle. Kept out.

Two! Outside off. This is slapped past cover for two.

DROPPED AND SIX! Another one goes down. This time it is Ryan! This is tossed up around off. Ryan looks to go over long on. It is more of the toe end. The fielder at long on. Leaps but this one goes through and over the ropes. All the good work is being undone here by these dropped chances.

Flatter and on off. This is pushed through covers for one.

DROPPED! That would have been a huge wicket. Around off. Stubbs looks to play the reverse sweep. It goes off the top edge towards short third man who is late in jumping. It bursts through his hands and goes behind. This could prove very costly.

Fuller and on off. This is driven to mid off.

On middle. This is pushed down to long on for one.

Quicker and on off. Ryan hangs back and pushes it to covers.

On middle. Ryan works it to mid-wicket.

Quicker and on off. Stubbs goes back and punches it past cover. A single taken.

Flatter again and around off. This is pushed to cover.

Flatter and around off. This is pushed to mid off.

FOUR! Swept nice and fine! Welcome boundary! On the pads. Ryan plays the sweep. It goes more off the glove and down to the fine leg fence.

On middle. Kept out.

Flatter and on off. This is pushed through covers for one.

Shorter and outside off. This is slapped through covers for one.

DRINKS! It has been hard work for South Africa so far. Their openers began well but once that was broken, they lost two more quickly. Stubbs and Rickelton are looking to re-build. Ireland on the other hand, would want to keep the pressure going. Interesting phase coming up. Now, Gavin Hoey comes into the attack. Spin from both ends is what Paul Stirling is going for here.

It is full, sliding down leg. Stubbs clips it into the leg side.

Looped up, on the fifth stump line. Stubbs prods and blocks it back to the bowler.

Much quicker this time, on middle. Ryan Rickelton gets it to square leg off the inside edge. They take a single.

Darted on the pads this time, Ryan Rickelton works it towards mid on.

An arm ball, full and on the stumps. Ryan Rickelton defends it from inside the crease.

Tossed up, full and outside off. Stubbs drives it through covers for one. 50 is up for the Proteas.

Way fuller, outside off, dipping as well. Ryan Rickelton looks to chase it but misses, as the ball sneaks under his blade.

Full one, around middle. Ryan Rickelton pushes it into covers from inside the crease.

Full and outside off. Ryan Rickelton dabs it into covers. Young continues to keep things tight.

A single now as Stubbs tucks this good-length ball into mid-wicket.

It is fuller, angled into the pads. Stubbs blocks it to mid on.

Short one, outside off. Stubbs leaves it alone for the keeper.

A length ball, outside off. Stubbs punches it through the gap at cover-point. They cross for a single. 7 runs come from this over.

Length, around off, blocked out solidly.

FOUR! Easy pickings this one. Campher serves a loosener, on a length, wide down the leg side. Stubbs swivels and drags his pull through short fine. South Africa get a boundary after 30 balls here.

Good length, in the channel. Stubbs dabs it out to extra covers.

Pitches it up this time. Stubbs gets on his front foot to defend and does so back to the bowler off the inner half.

A length ball, on the pads. Tristan Stubbs flicks it through square leg. They take two runs.

Pitched up, wide of off. Tristan Stubbs leans in and drives it past mid off. They cross for a single.

Much fuller, in the channel. Tristan Stubbs shuffles and blocks it into covers for no run.

Outside off, left alone.

The runflow has surely taken a hit. Ireland continue to ask the right questions. It is a length ball, outside off. This one nips in a touch. Tristan Stubbs tries to defend it out but gets beaten in the process.

Tristan Stubbs prods to this length ball and defends it out with hard hands.

It is a full ball, angled into the pads. Tristan Stubbs tries to tickle it away but misses to get any bat on it. The ball brushes the pads and goes to the left of the keeper.

A single to end the over. It is a full ball, on the pads. Stubbs clips it towards fine leg. He crosses for one and denies back-to-back maidens for the Irish side. Nevertheless, the pressure is mounting on South Africa.

A length ball, around off. Stubbs blocks it out watchfully.

Curtis Campher off to a solid start here. Good length this time, angled in around middle. Tristan Stubbs gets inside the line and deals with it.

Much fuller, around off. Stubbs prods and pushes it to mid off along the ground.

Two dots on the trot. A length ball, outside off. Stubbs steps across and pushes it into the off side.

A bit slower, on a good length, wide of off, shaping further away. Tristan Stubbs leaves it alone.

Powerplay 1 comes to an end. Now, 4 fielders can be used outside the circle until the end of the 40th over.

A maiden from Young. Top stuff! Length and on middle. Ryan stays back and plays it back to the bowler.

Back of a le fun again and around off. Blocked.

Solid! Length and on middle. This is pushed back to the bowler.

Good stuff! Not giving anything away! On middle. This is worked to mid-wicket.

Length again and on off. This is pushed to cover.

On the fuller side. Rickelton drives but to mid off.

Tristan Stubbs is the new batter in.

OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN!  Number 3 down! Rassie walks back! Length and around off. A little wide. Rassie pokes at it. He could have left it but does play at it. This goes off the outside edge and it is taken at second slip. Andy Balbirnie grabs it sharply. South Africa in big trouble now.

Good length and on middle. Rashid plays it back to the bowler.

Fuller and on off. Ryan drives it to mid off and takes one.

On middle. Good length. Blocked.

Two! On the shorter side. Ryan guides it past point and takes two.

Back of a length and around off. This is pushed to cover.

Another one outside off. Rashid leaves it alone again.

Wide outside off. Left alone.

Rassie van der Dussen is the new batter in.

OUT! That's a beauty! Nothing is going to save Bavuma this time! That's a lovely nut! This lands outside off. It pitches and comes back in sharply. Bavuma looks to defend but yet again the inward movement troubles him. It goes between bat and pad and hits the stumps.

FOUR! Nicely played. It is a good-length ball, outside off. Temba Bavuma stays back, punches it through covers for a fine boundary.

Short and outside off. Ryan Rickelton taps it to point for one.

Young comes over the wicket, and dishes a length ball, around off. Ryan Rickelton blocks it out.

Change. Craig Young comes into the attack now.

Around off. Blocked.

Two in the over! Bavuma falls now. Ireland back into this one. This is on a length and around off. It lands and jags back in. Bavuma looks to defend but does so outside the line. He misses and is hit right in front. NOT OUT! He survives! It is going over the stumps. Excellent review from Bavuma.

Temba Bavuma walks in at number 3. Two slips in place for the new batter.

OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! Number one down. Good change in length. It took Tony by surprise. Short and on middle. Tony looks to pull. It goes off the top edge as the bounce gets big on him. It is taken at fine leg by Craig Young. Simple catch. Welcome wicket as these two were going along really well.

Around off. Good length. Defended.

FOUR! Up and over! Uses his feet. This is a length ball but offers width. This is hit over mid off and it goes to the fence.

Slightly shorter and around off. Tony cuts but finds point.

A dot to end! Good length and around off. Ryan is solid in defense.

Very good fielding! Length and around off. Rickelton looks to defend, this goes off the outside edge as the ball moves away after landing. Third man runs to his right, slides and keeps it down to two.

That's a beauty! Absolute beaut. This lands on middle. Rickelton looks to flick but this lands and moves away. It goes past the bat and just past the off pole.

Just outside off. Tony guides it down to third man and takes one.

Does not time it that well but clears mid on. Steps out. He gets to the pitch of it and lofts it over mid on. Not off the middle but gets two.

A little too straight, Tony works it to mid-wicket.

A length ball, outside off. Ryan Rickelton bunts it into the off side.

FOUR! Incredible shot. It is a half-volley, wide of off. Ryan Rickelton leans into it and creams it through covers for a fine boundary.

Length ball this time, around middle and leg. Ryan Rickelton tucks it into mid-wicket.

Fuller ball, on off. Zorzi steps out of the crease, taps it towards mid off and crosses.

Fuller ball, on off. Zorzi steps out of the crease, taps it towards mid off and crosses.

Full ball, angled in, on off, blocked out.

Full and on off, defended out solidly.

DROPPED! How costly will this prove to be? These are the moments that really count. It is a full ball, angling across around off. Ryan Rickelton looks to defend it through the line but it catches the thick outside edge. As he hits it with soft hands, the ball dies on the wicket-keeper, who dives to his left but could not get his mitts underneath the ball.

A bit shorter this time, outside off. Ryan Rickelton ends up hanging his blade away as he gets beaten on the outside edge.

On a good-length, outside off, shaping away a bit. Ryan Rickelton looks to push it away but gets beaten.

This is full, on the pads. Ryan Rickelton nudges it into the leg side.

Hume fires it full, on off, angling across as well. Tony de Zorzi gets on his front foot and drives it past extra covers. The fielder gives it a chase and keeps it down to three runs.

Mark Adair remains full and aims for the stumps this time. Ryan Rickelton defends it out with a straight bat. A cautious looking over this one.

A length ball, around off. Ryan Rickelton blocks it out watchfully.

Mark Adair now dishes a length ball, outside off, angling in as well. The ball jags back in off the surface. It hits Ryan Rickelton on the thigh pads.

Fuller, in the channel. Ryan Rickelton defends it out watchfully.

Adair goes full this time, outside off. Ryan Rickelton pushes this gently through the gap at extra covers for two runs.

Full one, on off. Tony de Zorzi stabs it in front of mid off. They cross for one.

FOUR! Ryan Rickelton gets his second boundary of this innings. He has scored one against each bowler so far. It is pitched up, outside off. Ryan Rickelton leans into it and drives it through the gap at covers for a single.

LEG BYE! Graham Hume serves a length ball, but strays on the pads once again. The ball rolls out into the leg side off the pads. They cross for a leg bye. Tony de Zorzi is yet to get off the mark here.

Much fuller, on the pads. Ryan Rickelton nudges it behind square on the leg side for a run.

A length ball, sliding down leg. Ryan Rickelton closes the face and works it into mid-wicket. WAIT ON is the call, as he hits it straight to the fielder.

On a length, on top of off. Ryan Rickelton blocks it out solidly.

LEG BYE! Graham Hume starts with a full ball, straying on the pads. Tony de Zorzi looks to tickle it fine, but it catches the pads instead. Tony de Zorzi settles with a leg bye for now.

Graham Hume to start with the second new ball.

A length ball this time, on the off stump line. Ryan Rickelton gets behind the line and blocks it out watchfully. Just a boundary coming from this over. Ryan Rickelton trying to keep it calm, under the sun.

Full ball this time, angled into the pads. Ryan Rickelton tucks it into mid-wicket for no run.

Good length, outside off, with some away movement. Ryan Rickelton defends it from inside the crease.

Back of a length, outside off. Ryan Rickelton pushes it to point.

Shorter, outside off, shaping away. Ryan Rickelton cuts it to point for no run.

FOUR! Through the gap. Ryan Rickelton picking things up from where he left off. He was sensational in the T20I series. Mark Adair starts with a loosener here, a bit short, wide of off. Ryan Rickelton hangs on his back foot, extends his arms and creams this one through the gap at point for a fine boundary.

We are done with the pre-match proceedings. The match is set to begin. Ireland players spread out on the field. Followed by Ryan Rickelton and Tony de Zorzi who walk out to open for the Proteas. It will be Mark Adair who starts with the new ball. Here we go...

Right then, both the teams stride out and line-up on the field for their respective national anthems. It will be South Africa's first. Followed by the one of Ireland.

Paul Stirling, the skipper of Ireland joins in for a quick chat. Starts by saying that it is a proud moment for him, on 400 international caps. He states that it was a difficult decision at the toss for him, but now as they know they need to bowl first. They will take it over by over. Adds that it is all about expliting the conditions and hopes that the bowlers give it a good crack with some grass on the deck. Concludes by showing his excitement about Gavin Hoey making his debut, expressing his delight for the young player. He also mentioned that the team will be fielding three seamers in their lineup and is looking forward to the game ahead.

Temba Bavuma, the captain of South Africa is in for a quick chat here. He confirmed that South Africa will bat first. He noted that it's a good wicket with a nice covering of grass, and they want to capitalize on the favorable batting conditions. Bavuma added that there could be some movement under the lights in the second innings, which factored into their decision. Their goal is to post a strong total and rely on their bowlers to finish the job.

PITCH REPORT - It's a hot day in Abu Dhabi as Niall O'Brien steps in to give his pitch report. He mentions that pitch number 5 is being used at this venue today. Vernon Philander joins the discussion, noting that there's some grass on the surface, which bowlers will need to exploit early on. He points out that while the grass will aid bowlers, it will also offer batters a chance to ride the bounce well. According to Philander, bowlers will need to flirt with the outside edge to be effective on this track. O'Brien adds that in the last 10 matches, teams batting first have won seven times, with Philander concluding that a score of 280 should be competitive for the side batting first.

Ireland (Playing XI) - Paul Stirling (C), Andy Balbirnie, Curtis Campher, Harry Tector, Stephen Doheny (WK), George Dockrell, Andy McBrine, Mark Adair, Craig Young, Graham Hume, Gavin Hoey.

South Africa (Playing XI) - Ryan Rickelton (WK), Tony de Zorzi, Temba Bavuma (C), Rassie van der Dussen, Tristan Stubbs, Wiaan Mulder, Andile Phehlukwayo, Bjorn Fortuin, Lizaad Williams, Lungi Ngidi, Ottneil Baartman.

TOSS - The coin goes up and lands in favour of South Africa. They will BAT first.

With the history slightly favoring South Africa, holding a 6-1 ODI record over Ireland, the question is: can the Proteas stamp their authority, or will Ireland continue their impressive rise in world cricket? We shall find out soon, as the toss is just around the corner. Stay tuned.

Ireland, on the other hand, enters this series full of belief after their recent triumph over the Proteas. The leadership of Paul Stirling, combined with the experience of Mark Adair and the batting prowess of Andy Balbirnie, makes this Irish side a dangerous opponent. Players like Harry Tector and Lorcan Tucker add depth to a team eager to prove that their recent success is no fluke. They’ve shown they can challenge any team on the big stage, and with conditions likely to support high scores, we could be in for a thrilling contest.

Welcome to the first ODI between Ireland and South Africa, a contest brimming with opportunity and intrigue. After a hard-fought T20I series where the Proteas shared the trophy with Ireland, South Africa arrives hungry to regain their form and pride under the leadership of Temba Bavuma. Their squad boasts an exciting blend of talent, with Ryan Rickelton and Tony de Zorzi expected to headline the top order. The pace-heavy bowling unit, led by Lungi Ngidi and featuring Nandre Burger and Lizaad Williams, promises fiery spells on a batting-friendly Abu Dhabi pitch.

... MATCH DAY ...

The UAE remains at the epicenter of limited-overs cricket, with the Women's T20 World Cup 2024 looming. Yet, before this marquee event, an enticing series is set to captivate audiences in Abu Dhabi. South Africa and Ireland are poised to clash again, this time in a comprehensive 3-match ODI series, with the renowned Sheikh Zayed Stadium serving as the exclusive battleground. South Africa's journey since their T20 World Cup Final appearance has been rocky. A 3-0 T20I series loss to the West Indies earlier this year marked the beginning of their struggles. Their UAE campaign has failed to reverse this trend - they suffered a decisive ODI series defeat against Afghanistan, followed by a shared T20I series trophy with Ireland after surrendering an early lead. This forthcoming series offers the Proteas a crucial chance to reclaim their form, confidence, and wounded pride. Under Temba Bavuma's leadership, South Africa aims to stage a comeback. The probable top order includes Ryan Rickelton and Tony de Zorzi alongside Bavuma. Stubbs, Rassie, and Kyle Verreynne are set to fortify the middle order. Notably, T20I captain Aiden Markram's absence from the squad, possibly due to a batting slump, has raised eyebrows. The Proteas are banking on a pace-heavy quartet featuring the skiddy Nandre Burger, Lizaad Williams, Lungi Ngidi, and Wiaan Mulder. Phew. That’s serious pace. The experienced Andile Phehlukwayo is slated to fulfill the all-rounder role. Bjorn Fortuin is their only spinner in the squad considering the conditions. Ireland, in contrast, has shown flashes of impressive cricket, notably in their recent T20I encounter where they dismantled the Proteas' batting lineup to avoid a series sweep. For this ODI series, they've wisely retained the core of their successful squad. Paul Stirling continues to lead the charge, with the experienced Mark Adair, whose bowling heroics were instrumental in Ireland's victory, also included. The middle order remains robust, featuring the talents of Dockrell, Campher, Harry Tector, and Lorcan Tucker. While inclusion of the seasoned Andy Balbirnie adds further depth to the lineup. Ireland's squad boasts a well-balanced mix of key bowlers and versatile all-rounders. This composition has allowed them to prove they're far from being underdogs in international cricket. Although South Africa holds a commanding 6-1 lead in their ODI head-to-head record against Ireland, recent performances suggest that the Irish are not to be underestimated. The Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, known for its batting-friendly conditions, typically sees first innings scores ranging from 270 to 300. Both teams possess formidable batting lineups, which could lead to some high-scoring encounters. Can the Proteas stage a convincing comeback and reassert their dominance? Or will the Irish squad, buoyed by their recent T20I success, mount a serious challenge and potentially upset the odds? Which side are you going to support, aye?