IRE vs SA, 2nd ODI Review: Dominant South Africa claim series after monumental victory in UAE

ABU DHABI, UAE – Defeat in the second ODI match meant Ireland Men conceded the series to South Africa Men on Friday.

South Africa, who won the opener by 139 runs, proved dominant again, sealing the trophy with a game to spare thanks to a 179-run victory this time around. An unchanged Ireland were again asked to bowl first at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, while Kyle Verreynne replaced injured opener Tony de Zorzi for the away team.

South Africa captain Temba Bavuma made a bright start alongside the in-form Ryan Rickelton but the former also suffered a knock while diving to make his ground at the non-striker's end and was forced to retire hurt on 35. Curtis Campher struck not long after, taking a sharp catch off his own bowling to remove Rickelton (40). There was celebration for Gavin Hoey, too, who took his first international wicket by bowling Rassie van der Dussen (35).

A 103-run partnership between Kyle Verreynne (67) and Tristan Stubbs (112*) set South Africa back on course, though. Stubbs went on to produce a stunning first international century - an unbeaten innings that came from 81 balls and included eight fours and three sixes - which ensured the Proteas posted a commanding 343-4 from their 50 overs.

It was always likely to prove a difficult run chase for Ireland and their task was made greater when both openers, Andrew Balbirnie (1) and captain Paul Stirling (5) fell inside the first three overs. There were starts from Harry Tector (20), Campher (17), Mark Adair (21) and Gavin Hoey (23), but Ireland struggled to build partnerships and ended up 174-runs short despite some spirited late hitting from Graham Hume (21) and Craig Young (29*).

The third and final match of the series will be played at the same venue on Monday.

MATCH SUMMARY

Ireland Men v South Africa Men, 2nd ODI, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - 4 October 2024

South Africa 343-4 (50 overs; T Stubbs 112*, K Verreynne 67, W Mulder 43; C Campher 1-22, A McBrine 1-43, G Hoey 1-49)

Ireland 169 (30.3 overs; C Young 29*; L Williams 3-36, B Fortuin 2-36, L Ngidi 2-38)

South Africa won by 174 runs