Abu Dhabi: The first ODI match between Ireland and South Africa was held on Wednesday (October 2, 2024) in Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Here, South Africa won the toss and decided to bat first against Ireland. After that, the wicketkeepers Ryan Rickelton and Tony de Zorzi gave a joint start for the Ireland team. But Mark Adair’s short ball lost explosive opener Tony de Zorzi for 12 (14) runs and skipper Temba Bavuma for 4 (4), who will have to make the long walk back to the pavillion by Craig Young. Then, Mark Adair, who has sent back the Rassie van der Dussen without scoring runs.

After that, Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs are trying to build a strong partnership before they can take on the Ireland bowlers. But Andy McBrine dismissed Ryan Rickelton on the off-break length ball, so he struck at 91 (102) runs, studded with seven fours and three sixes. In the very next over, Mark Adair dismissed Tristan Stubbs on off-cutter back of a length, and he was caught by Balbirnie at 79 (86) with 2 fours and 4 sixes.

And then, Mark Adair’s length ball bowled out Andile Phehlukwayo for 1(7) runs, Craig Young bowled out Lizaad Williams for 13(11) runs, and he was caught by Tector. Finally, Graham Hume’s short ball dismissed Bjorn Fortuin for 28 (34) runs, but on the other hand, Lungi Ngidi remains stranded on 20, not out off 17 balls, making South Africa progress to post a creditable total of 271/9 in 50 overs.

The opening partnership of Ireland players skipper Paul Stirling and Andrew Balbirnie has ensured that no wicket falls in this chase of 272.But Ireland’s response began poorly as they lost skipper Paul Stirling for 2(2) in Lungi Ngidi’s fourth ball, while fellow opener Balbirnie lost his wicket to Lizaad Williams for 20 (28) runs with 2 fours and a six.

After that, Lizaad Williams accounted for Campher for 20 (36) runs and good length delivery from Ottniel Baartman, outside off, and Stephen Doheny failed to make any connection. Finally, Doheny departs for 3 (8) runs. Now Lungi Ngidi struck again, removing Mark Adair for 12 (22) runs as Ireland stumped to 86/6 in the 21st over.

After that, George Dockrell, who was trying to make runs, was dismissed by Wiaan Mulder for 21 (32) runs. In the very next over, Bjorn Fortuin, length ball, stumped off Gavin Hoey. So, he bowled out for a 1(3) run. At last, Lizaad Williams short ball dismissed Andy McBrine for 14 (20) runs, and Bjorn Fortuin picked up Graham Hume 9 (22) in a second. On the other hand, Craig Young has 12 not out 10 balls, but Ireland has been bundled out for 132 runs and lost all his wickets in 50 overs. South Africa takes a 1-0 lead in this 3-match ODI series against Ireland. Again, these two teams will meet on October 4 for the second ODI.