Paul Stirling's commanding 88 led Ireland to a 69-run win over South Africa in the third ODI, sealing their second-ever victory against the Proteas on Monday in Abu Dhabi. Chasing a target of 285, South Africa struggled, falling to 126-6 despite a valiant 91 from Jason Smith that kept them in the contest. However, Smith's efforts weren’t enough to prevent Ireland from claiming the win.
Ireland’s captain, Stirling, set the foundation with his impressive knock after winning the toss and opting to bat. Ireland posted 284-9, in stark contrast to their earlier failures in the series, where they collapsed to 132 and 169 in response to large South African totals. Stirling and Andy Balbirnie shared a solid 101-run opening partnership before Balbirnie was dismissed for 45 by Lizaad Williams. Curtis Campher’s quick-fire 34 off 36 balls added to the momentum before he and Stirling were both removed by Ottneil Baartman, with Stirling’s 88 coming from 103 balls, including three sixes and eight fours.
Harry Tector contributed further with a 48-ball 60 to help Ireland reach their competitive total. Williams was the standout bowler for South Africa, taking 4-56 in his 10 overs.
In their chase, South Africa faltered early, losing three quick wickets with Mark Adair and Graham Hume causing the damage. Ryan Rickelton, Rassie van der Dussen (standing in for the injured Temba Bavuma), and Reeza Hendricks were all dismissed cheaply, leaving South Africa reeling at 10-3. Kyle Verreynne (38) and Tristan Stubbs (20) offered some resistance, but when Verreynne was trapped lbw by Craig Young, South Africa’s innings unravelled once more.
At 126-6, Jason Smith launched a counterattack, scoring 91 off 93 balls, including nine boundaries and four sixes. His fightback extended the match, but once he edged Hume to Mark Adair at third man, South Africa's hopes faded, and they were bowled out well short of the target. Hume, originally from Johannesburg, was Ireland’s best bowler with 3-29, while Young added 3-40 to complete the win.
South Africa won the series 2-1, having shared the preceding T20 series 1-1, but Ireland’s strong finish in the final ODI provided a significant boost. Reflecting on the victory, Stirling expressed relief and satisfaction, noting, "We just focused on winning the game and getting the job done. We let ourselves down in the first two games, but we knew if we applied ourselves, we’d get the runs."