All-round Ireland avoid whitewash; Smith, Williams impress for SA

Ireland have successfully prevented a series sweep with a 69-run win in the third ODI at Abu Dhabi. Following a solid display with the bat, a clinical effort from the bowlers kept the Proteas under the pump throughout the chase.

Having opted to bat first, Ireland got off to a positive start. Skipper Paul Stirling was calling the shots early on with several boundaries, while Andy Balbirnie took his time to get set. The opening stand was worth 101 runs, and Lizaad Williams finally struck with the short ball to end a rather jittery knock from Balbirnie.

However, the runs continued to pile on. Curtis Campher came in at #3, and added 58 runs with Stirling. But SA ensured Ireland wouldn’t get away for too long, as Ottneil Baartman had both batters bowled.

But another partnership north of 50 runs involving Harry Tector and Lorcan Tucker swung the momentum back in Ireland’s direction. Fortunately for SA, Andile Phehlukwayo struck twice in a reliable, economical spell to keep 300 out of reach.

Tector managed to accelerate at the back end, but Williams impressed with his yorkers. The right-arm quick claimed another three wickets, but Ireland had a very substantial 284/9 at the close.

The chase was off to a horror start for SA. The top 3 all went cheaply, thanks to a superb opening spell from both Mark Adair and Graham Hume.

Kyle Verreynne entertained with a 36-ball 38, but when Craig Young trapped him LBW, much of the regained momentum was lost. Tristan Stubbs was kept quiet, and a loose shot brought his innings to a tame end.

Jason Smith witnessed the ship sinking at the other end, but eventually found his timing. Andile Phehlukwayo looked in good touch, but another attempted big shot was his downfall. Smith was running out of partners, but continued to dazzle with some expert strokeplay in only his second ODI.

With all things considered, it was too steep a total to hunt down, with the asking rate continuing to soar. But Smith managed a fighting 91 from 93 before a poorly timed lofted drive over the offside ended up in deep third’s hands.

It’s been a mixed bag of a UAE tour for the Proteas, but it’s ended on a high with an ODI series win against the Irish. Plus it’s proof positive that the next crop of Proteas have some way to go. But regardless, there have been a few impressive individual performances along the way.

IRE 284/9 in 50 overs (Stirling 88, Tector 60 – Williams 10-2-56-4)

SA 215 all out in 46.1 overs (Smith 91, Verreynne 38 – Hume 9.1-3-29-3, Young 8-0-40-3)