South Africa secured a dominant 139-run victory over Ireland in the first of three one-day internationals on Wednesday, thanks to half-centuries from Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs. The win helped the Proteas bounce back from a surprising T20 defeat to Ireland last weekend and also avenge their recent ODI series loss to Afghanistan.
Opening batsman Rickelton, in just his third ODI, led the way with a solid 91 off 102 balls, smashing seven fours and three sixes. Stubbs, playing in his fifth ODI, delivered a powerful middle-order performance, scoring 79 off 86 balls with two fours and four sixes. Together, they rescued South Africa from a precarious 39-3, combining for a 152-run partnership that propelled the Proteas to a total of 271-9 in their 50 overs.
"When Tristan came in, we were in a bit of trouble," Rickelton admitted. "But we scored quickly, so we knew we could recover."
Ireland’s leg-spinner Gavin Hoey had a tough debut, conceding 65 runs in his 10 overs without taking a wicket, while Mark Adair picked up four wickets, following his match-winning performance in the T20 match.
In response, Ireland crumbled under the pressure of South Africa’s pace attack. Lizaad Williams, in only his fifth ODI, took a career-best 4-32, while Lungi Ngidi also contributed to the early breakthroughs. Ireland was bowled out for just 132 in 32 overs, with George Dockrell top-scoring with 21.
The second and third matches will be played at the same venue on Friday and Sunday.