Ireland Vs South Africa, Match Preview
Roughly 500 spectators turned up and braved the wet weather only to see 40 overs of Cricket. With Ireland’s rise and South Africa’s recent struggles, the series has some good hype, with South Africa looking to build their squad for the World Cup. Ireland’s batting was steady in the first ODI. They held up well against a quality bowling attack and looked good for a decent score.
South Africa bowled with patience, and the economy was good throughout the innings. Both teams put up a decent display but were disturbed by the rain. Lungi Ngidi did well with the ball, and the Ireland openers gave a good start. Andile Phehlukwayo is having a good time after being on the bench against West Indies and is getting close to cementing his role as a bowling all-rounder in the side.
The washout took South Africa close to the bottom of the ODI Super League table. If they win the next two games, they’ll go fifth, which will help them qualify for the World Cup.
Ireland Vs South Africa, Team News
William Porterfield opened the batting in the first ODI and found success up the order. He is going to continue at the top while Ireland uses Dockrell as a specialist batter.
South Africa rested Quinton De Kock, and Anrich Nortje in the first ODI. Nortje has some injury concerns but may find himself on the side with South Africa looking for crucial Super League points. If both come back, Malan and Maharaj may have to sit out and wait for the T20Is to get another opportunity.
Ireland Vs, South Africa, Predicted XIs
Ireland: (possible) 1 Paul Stirling, 2 William Porterfield, 3 Andy Balbirnie (capt), 4 Harry Tector, 5 George Dockrell, 6 Lorcan Tucker (wk), 7 Simi Singh, 8 Andy McBrine, 9 Mark Adair, 10 Josh Little, 11 Craig Young
South Africa (possible): 1 Quinton de Kock (wk), 2 Aiden Markram, 3 Temba Bavuma (capt), 4 Rassie van der Dussen, 5 Kyle Verreynne, 6 David Miller, 7 Andile Phehlukwayo, 8 Kagiso Rabada, 9 Anrich Nortje, 10 Lungi Ngidi, 11 Tabraiz Shamsi
Ireland Vs South Africa, Players to Watch out For
George Dockrell
Ireland’s scoring rate was steady in the first ODI but not up to the current levels of international Cricket. They looked good for a mediocre score but didn’t have the impetus to get to a massive score. The middle-order needs some acceleration if Ireland is to put up a higher score, and the best player to help them is George Dockrell. Dockrell started as a left-arm spinner but is now one of Ireland’s top run-scorers in the ongoing domestic season. His strike rate may help Ireland get the required boost in the middle-overs.
Quinton De Kock
Quinton De Kock was in good form during the West Indies tour and is a vital member of the side. He has done well after his break, and the small boundaries can help him get South Africa off to a flyer. He has two other wicket-keepers in the side to support him, and the workload can be balanced.
Ireland Vs South Africa, Pitch Report
After rain in the first ODI, the skies seem straightforward for the second game. A complete game is expected, and the pitch could be similar to the first game. From what was seen in the first game, runs didn’t come easy, and there was a lot of movement on offer. With batting a little difficult, putting up a score on the board and defending could be the best way to win the game.
