A game-changing 152-run partnership served as both a rescue and a foundation for South Africa's commanding 139-run victory over Ireland in the first ODI in Abu Dhabi. After managing to tie the T20I series, South Africa made a strong start to the ODI leg, with their bowlers securing the comfortable win.
Ryan Rickelton began aggressively, hitting a boundary off the first ball, but Ireland quickly seized control. Tony de Zorzi fell to a short ball from Mark Adair, miscuing a pull to top-edge the ball. Temba Bavuma was initially given out lbw on his first ball, but successfully overturned the decision, only to have his defence breached by a beauty from Craig Young in the next over. Rassie van der Dussen followed shortly, edging Adair to third slip, leaving South Africa reeling at 39/3.
With more than 40 overs remaining, South Africa needed a steady hand to stabilise their innings. Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs bided their time, with Stubbs breaking the shackles by hitting a boundary. The run rate remained sluggish up to the halfway mark, but the duo’s persistence paid off as they started launching sixes. Rickelton notched up his maiden ODI fifty and accelerated by smashing successive sixes off leg-spinner Gavin Hoey. Stubbs also reached his half-century, and South Africa began to assert control, pushing the run rate past five an over.
As the pair looked set for a big finish, Rickelton missed his century, getting out on 91 after inside-edging onto his stumps. Adair soon struck again, removing Stubbs for 79, and Ireland continued to chip away with wickets, preventing South Africa from building momentum towards the end. A vital unbeaten 20 from Lungi Ngidi pushed South Africa just past 270.
Ireland's chase faltered early, losing five wickets inside 14 overs. Ngidi removed Paul Stirling in the opening over, and Lizaad Williams struck twice in quick succession, including the key wickets of Harry Tector and Curtis Campher. Ottneil Baartman joined the party, reducing Ireland to 61/5. George Dockrell top-scored with 21, but Ireland's batting crumbled as they were bowled out for 132 in 31.5 overs. The two teams will meet again on Friday for the second ODI.
Brief scores: South Africa 271/9 in 50 overs (Ryan Rickelton 91, Tristan Stubbs 79; Mark Adair 4/50) beat Ireland 132 in 31.5 overs (George Dockrell 21; Lizaad Williams 4/32) by 139 runs.