Ireland got off to a great start in the DafaNews ODI series against South Africa before the rain decided to play spoilsport. As per the latest cricket news, it was the first international men’s match in Ireland since September 2019.
Rain led to a delay in the start of the match. Even after losing the toss and batting first, Ireland managed to lay a strong foundation. William Porterfield and Paul Stirling gave a solid start before Andrew Balbirine joined the party. Captain Andrew and Porterfield managed to put on a record second-wicket partnership. However, shortly after the record stand rain meant play had to stop. The match did resume for a short while before the match had to be abandoned.
Temba Bavuma won the toss and decided to bowl first with the weather and DLS likely to come into play. Ireland only managed 28 runs in the powerplay but with all 10 wickets in hand, they were on course for a decent first innings score.
Andile Phehlukwayo managed to dismiss Stirling in the second over of his first spell. Andrew joined Porterfield after the loss of the first wicket. As the spinners came into the thick of things, the Ireland batsmen managed to increase their run rate. Porterfield managed to convert his domestic form into international cricket with a hard-fought half-century. Tabraiz Shamsimanaged to dismiss William in the 31st over of the game. By that time the pair had all ready managed to put on an 87 run stand, a record for Ireland against South Africa for any wicket in men’s ODIs.
After a while rain led to a delay in proceedings. The game was reduced to 43 overs per side. When play resumed, Ireland came out all guns blazing as they had plenty of wickets in their hands.
In the 41st over of the first innings rain became steadier and the match had to be paused. This time, the play didn’t resume and the match was abandoned. Ireland will surely carry a lot of confidence from the first innings of the first ODI.
Cricket Update: The second ODI between Ireland and South Africa is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, 13 July at the same venue.
