South Africa Clinch Series with Dominant 174-Run Win Over Ireland

South Africa won by 174 runs, securing the series victory with one match remaining. / Ireland

South Africa secured a commanding series victory over Ireland with an emphatic 174-run triumph in the second ODI, sealing the series with one match still to be played. A combination of blistering batting and disciplined bowling saw the Proteas overpower the Irish, who struggled to mount any significant challenge.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, South Africa got off to a steady start despite losing captain Temba Bavuma, who retired hurt after a well-made 35. Opening partners Ryan Rickelton and Rassie van der Dussen both contributed solid knocks, scoring 40 and 35 runs respectively, with all three top-order batsmen remarkably facing exactly 39 balls each.

South Africa's innings gathered momentum as Kyle Verreynne and Tristan Stubbs took control. Verreynne, in for the injured Tony de Zorzi, anchored the middle order with a composed 67 off 64 deliveries. However, it was Stubbs who stole the show, notching up his maiden ODI century. The young right-hander smashed an unbeaten 112 from just 81 balls, featuring eight fours and three sixes, propelling South Africa to an imposing total of 343/6. Wiaan Mulder provided valuable support with a quickfire 43 off 34 balls, further compounding Ireland's woes.

Ireland’s bowling attack found little joy, with Craig Young, Curtis Campher, Andy McBrine, and Gavin Hoey each claiming a wicket but failing to stem the Proteas' charge.

Chasing a daunting target, Ireland’s innings quickly fell apart. Veteran openers Andy Balbirnie and Paul Stirling both departed cheaply, leaving the team on the back foot early on. Despite brief resistance from Harry Tector (20) and Curtis Campher (17), Ireland continued to lose wickets at regular intervals. Stephen Doheny fell for a golden duck, and by the time George Dockrell was dismissed for 11, Ireland was languishing at 65/6.

The lower order showed some fight, with Mark Adair (21), Craig Young (29*), Graham Hume (21), and Gavin Hoey (23) adding respectability to the total. Young and Hume put together a spirited 52-run stand for the final wicket, but it wasn’t enough as Ireland were bowled out for 169 in 32.2 overs.

South Africa’s bowlers dominated proceedings, with Lizaad Williams starring with 3/35. Lungi Ngidi and Bjorn Fortuin chipped in with two wickets each, while Ottinel Baartman, Wiaan Mulder, and Andile Phehlukwayo claimed one apiece.

This victory gives South Africa an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series, with one match remaining. Tristan Stubbs was named Player of the Match for his spectacular maiden century that powered the Proteas to their match-winning total.

The teams will meet again in the final ODI as Ireland look to salvage some pride, while South Africa aim for a series sweep.

Brief Scores:

• South Africa: 343/6 (Stubbs 112*, Verreynne 67; Campher 1/40)
• Ireland: 169 all out (Young 29*; Williams 3/35)

South Africa won by 174 runs.