Ireland vs South Africa Match Preview, 2nd ODI

European side Ireland (IRE) will take on South Africa (SA) in the second ODI of the series, at the b, in Abu Dhabi, on Friday, October 4. South Africa were dominant over Ireland in the first ODI winning it by 139 runs. It was a complete team performance by the visitors as they managed to put a 272-run target in front of the hosts after a middle-order collapse. 

On the other hand, Ireland were clinical in their bowling effort but failed to pluck out settled batters like Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs. They managed to contain the Proteas batters in the first nine overs, giving away just 39 runs and picking three wickets. But the partnership between Rickelton and Stubbs kept them at bay from a further blow.

Match Details 

Pitch Report

The Sheikh Zayed Stadium pitch is conducive to batting in the latter stages but the pacers reign supreme here in the early overs. The hard deck with some grass covers provides the bowlers ample bounce and movement. However, spinners can contain the batters with some slower ones that tend to skid through. There will be clear skies with no rain threat during the game.

Head-to-Head Record

Predicted Playing XI

Ireland:

Ireland started well in the first ODI but leaked runs in the middle overs. When the came out to chase the target, they were running way behind the required run rate. When the batters tried to slog in the wake of keeping up with the RRR, they lost wickets in a bunch. Gavin Hoey, who debuted in the last game will hope to not go wicket-less in the upcoming game.

Also Read: Temba Bavuma reflects on South Africa’s win over Ireland in first ODI

Predicted XI: Andy Balbirnie, Paul Stirling (c), Curtis Campher, Harry Tector, Stephen Doheny (wk), George Dockrell, Mark Adair, Andy McBrine, Gavin Hoey, Graham Hume, Craig Young

South Africa:

The fact that South Africa managed to post 271 with three of the top-four batters contributing just 16 runs displayed their sheer hold on the game. The onus falls on the likes of Tony de Zorzi and Temba Bavuma to come among the runs.

Predicted 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 Bartman.