Ireland Clinch Consolation Win Over South Africa in Third ODI with Stirling and Tector Leading the Charge
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| A historic win for Ireland. It's the second time in ODI cricket that Ireland have defeated South Africa / Ireland Cricket |
Ireland secured a notable 69-run victory over South Africa in the third and final ODI in Abu Dhabi on October 7, 2024, marking only their second win against the Proteas in the format. Half-centuries from captain Paul Stirling (88) and Harry Tector (60) propelled Ireland to 284 for 9, setting a competitive target.
Winning the toss for the first time in the series, Ireland made the most of favorable batting conditions. Stirling and Andy Balbirnie (41) put together a crucial 101-run opening partnership, Ireland’s second-highest in ODIs against South Africa. Stirling dominated the early overs, driving fluently and even hooking Lizaad Williams for six. While Balbirnie took time to settle, his innings gained momentum, as he struck boundaries off Lungi Ngidi and Bjorn Fortuin.
The innings gained pace when Curtis Campher joined Stirling, adding 58 runs for the second wicket before Campher was bowled by Beuran Hendricks for 22.
Stirling, meanwhile, continued to play aggressively but fell 12 runs short of a century, bowled by an in-ducker from Baartman. Late contributions from Tector and Lorcan Tucker (27) ensured Ireland reached a solid total, with Tector’s 60 off 48 balls keeping the scoreboard ticking in the final overs. Williams, who had a mixed outing, claimed 4 for 56, including three wickets in the penultimate over.
In reply, South Africa struggled against Ireland’s pace attack under the lights. The ball swung significantly more than in previous games, and Mark Adair struck early to dismiss Ryan Rickelton and Rassie van der Dussen. Graham Hume and Craig Young followed up with key wickets, reducing South Africa to 73 for 4 within 20 overs.
Jason Smith, playing in only his second ODI, fought back with a resilient 91, his maiden international half-century. He added partnerships with Tristan Stubbs and Andile Phehlukwayo, but wickets continued to fall at the other end. Smith showed flair, driving and flicking boundaries, including four sixes, as he single-handedly kept South Africa in the hunt. However, Adair dismissed him in the 43rd over, ending South Africa’s hopes. Hume and Young finished with three wickets each, with Hume’s 3 for 29 capping off a superb performance.
Ireland’s all-round bowling effort and Stirling’s leadership with the bat ensured they finished the series on a high note, despite South Africa claiming the series 2-1.
This victory underlined Ireland’s growing competitiveness on the international stage, especially in conditions that favored their strengths.