WATCH: South Africa coach JP Duminy comes out to field against Ireland

In South Africa’s third ODI against Ireland in Abu Dhabi, coach and former cricketer JP Duminy was forced to field for a brief time. Many of the Proteas players had to leave the field due to heat, which is why, Duminy had to come out and help the team. Notably, captain Temba Bavuma missed the game due to a soft tissue injury and Wiaan Mulder was also ruled out. South Africa were thus short on personnel, and Duminy had to take the field. 

During his stay, the 40-year-old pulled off a brilliant diving save, which impressed the commentators and the video of the same went viral on social media. The commentators noted that the former cricketer always gave his 100% on the field and even after retirement, he managed to stay in shape and lauded him for helping out South Africa in the field.

Coach JP Duminy fielding for South Africa pic.twitter.com/DTppCnT2Cz

— cricket station (@ShayanR84472894) October 7, 2024

Meanwhile, Ireland posted 284 runs on the board in the first innings. Openers Andrew Balbirnie and Paul Stirling gave a good start, scoring 45 and 88 runs respectively. They set the tone for the middle order batters to capitalize and they did as Curtis Campher scored 34 while Harry Tector made 60. Batting at five, Lorcan Tucker made 26 but post that, it was a disastrous performance from Ireland. 

They lost wickets quickly and six of them failed to score in double digits. The Proteas players dominated that phase of the game, which helped them make a strong comeback, or else Ireland were expected to score well above 300 runs at one stage. Ireland would be disappointed with that batting effort but the score nevertheless was defendable.

For South Africa, Lizaad Williams starred with the ball, picking up four wickets. Ottneil Baartman and Andile Phehlukwayo picked up two each. When it came to the chase, the Proteas lost three quick wickets. Ryan Rickelton, Reeza Hendricks and Rassie van der Dussen were sent back to the pavilion inside the first five overs and that will give Ireland the hope to get the job done and end the series on a winning note.