Cricket News: Janneman Malan’s 177 not out helps South Africa level things up in the series in the third and the final ODI of the DafaNews Cup in Malahide. After defeating South Africa in the second ODI, Ireland couldn’t manage to seal the series as the top order of the visitors caused havoc.
Temba Bavuma of South Africa won the toss and decided to bat first. The opening pair of Janneman Malan and Quinton de Kock made sure that they started strong and laid a solid foundation. The pair didn’t just start well; rather they went on to share a 225 run partnership. They both scored centuries on the night and helped Proteas set a target of 347 runs. Ireland were reduced to 92-6 but Simi Singh’s maiden hundred led a lower-order resistance. Proteas went on to win by 70 runs and level the series 1-1.
It was De Kock’s first match of the series and he showcased what South Africa was missing at the top of the order. He went on to complete his hundred in 83 balls and was the aggressor in the mammoth opening stand. Malan carried his form that he showcased in the previous ODI by scoring 84 runs, this time we went on to score a big hundred and remained not out.
South Africa managed to set a huge target for the Ireland side that kept on losing wickets at regular intervals. They were down and out at 92 for 6 but from then on Simi Singh came to his team’s rescue. The 34-year-old went on to score a magnificent ton batting at number 8. He went on to become the only batsmen in ODI cricket to score a ton at number 8. He did showcase some grit and determination towards the end but the target was way too big for a one-man show.
