Latest Cricket News: Ireland men have managed to pull off a historic win against South Africa in the second ODI of the DafaNews Cup. Andrew Balbirnie scored a magnificent century to guide his team to a historic first-ever win against the Proteas.
Ireland managed to set the Proteas an imposing target of 291 thanks to Balbirnie and Harry Tector. Balbirnie’s 102 runs was followed by a fine 79 from Harry in the first innings of the match. In response, the visitors managed a 108 run stand for the 3rd wicket between Janneman Malan and Rassie van der Dussen, but Ireland’s bowlers made sure that their captain’s knock didn't go in vain. They fought hard and secured a historic 43-run win.
South Africa Captain Temba Bavuma won the toss and asked the hosts to bat first. William Porterfield who had scored a 50 in the first ODI (match was abandoned due to rain) was ruled out with an injured finger.
Captain Andrew Balbirnie decided to open the innings with Paul Stirling. They got the Ireland innings off to a great start with a 64 run opening stand. Balbirnie went on to score 102 runs off 117 balls. His innings included 10 boundaries and 2 sixes. Tector’s 79 and Docrell’s 45 meant they were on the front foot heading into the second innings.
Janneman Malan started the innings in some fashion with a quickfire 20 from 14 balls. Ireland managed to keep things under control with 2 wickets for 51 runs. From there Malan and van der Dussen batted beautifully to pull things back for South Africa. They managed to put 108 runs for the third wicket. Malan scored 84 runs before Dockrell dismissed him and Dussen fell just seven balls later thanks to a brilliant ball by McBrine.
Ireland kept taking wickets at regular intervals. Rabada did create some panic in the opposition camp with two massive sixes, but his cameo ended as he was run out on a no-ball. South Africa was bowled out for 247 runs, resulting in a historic Ireland win.
