Ireland captain Andy Balbirnie led from the front with a hundred as his side beat South Africa for the first time in a one-day internationa...
Ireland captain Andy Balbirnie led from the front with a hundred as his side beat South Africa for the first time in a one-day international with a 43-run success at Malahide on Tuesday.
Balbirnie’s 102, his seventh hundred at this level, was the centrepiece of Ireland’s 290/5.
South Africa could only manage 247 all out in reply as the hosts took an unassailable 1-0 lead in a series reduced to two matches following Sunday’s washout, although the Proteas can square the campaign by winning on Friday.
Ireland’s victory also gave them 10 points in the World Cup Super League, which will qualify teams for the 2023 50-over showpiece in India.
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— Cricket Ireland (@cricketireland) July 13, 2021
Ireland Men record first-ever victory over South Africa with 43-run win.
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A first win for Ireland Men over South Africa – well done, lads!#IREvSA #BackingGreen ☘️🏏 @playing11app pic.twitter.com/3gCwSWJ1Rn
— Cricket Ireland (@cricketireland) July 13, 2021
Ireland white-ball wins over established Test nations, once restricted to World Cups, are no longer the shocks of old with Tuesday’s triumph following a defeat of England in Southampton last year.
Balbirnie, opening the innings, batted until the 42nd over before Harry Tector added impetus with a dashing 79 off 68 balls, which included six fours and four sixes.
Tector and George Dockrell (45) boosted the total with...
