South Africa claimed a comfortable 139-run victory over Ireland in the opening match of their three-game ODI series in Abu Dhabi.
Batting first, South Africa set a challenging target of 271-9 from their 50 overs, with Ryan Rickelton leading the way with a solid 91. His fourth-wicket partnership of 152 runs with Tristan Stubbs, who contributed a valuable 79, anchored the South African innings after a shaky start. Mark Adair was the standout bowler for Ireland, taking 4-50, while Craig Young added 3-45 to help restrict South Africa's total.
In reply, Ireland's batting line up crumbled under pressure, managing only 132 before being bowled out in 31.5 overs. George Dockrell top-scored with 21, while Andrew Balbirnie and Curtis Campher each made 20. Lizaad Williams delivered an impressive performance with the ball, taking 4-32 to help seal South Africa's victory.
Despite a positive start, South Africa found themselves in trouble at 39-3 after losing Tony de Zorzi (12), Temba Bavuma (4), and Rassie van der Dussen (0) in quick succession by the ninth over. However, Rickelton's 91 off 102 balls, which included seven fours and three sixes, along with Stubbs' crucial 79, helped stabilise the innings. After their departures at 198-5, Bjorn Fortuin (28) and Lungi Ngidi (20 not out) added useful contributions to help South Africa post a competitive total.
Ireland's chase got off to a poor start with captain Paul Stirling dismissed for just two runs in the first over. Though Balbirnie, returning to the team after missing the T20 series, and Campher briefly steadied the innings, Ireland found themselves at 38-2 by the ninth over. The loss of wickets at regular intervals left Ireland struggling at 61-5, and despite some resistance from Dockrell, McBrine (14), Adair, and Young (12 each), Ireland never looked likely to reach their target.
Lungi Ngidi and Bjorn Fortuin each claimed two wickets to complement Williams' excellent spell, ensuring South Africa's comfortable win. Ireland will have a chance to bounce back in the remaining ODIs on October 4th and 7th at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium.