Ireland, Andy Balbirnie. South Africa
Ireland. [Image-Getty]

13th July 2021 will always be remembered as one of the red-lettered days in the history of Ireland cricket as the Andy Balbirnie-led unit notched up their maiden ODI win over South Africa.

Batting first, Ireland posted 5/290 in 50 overs with skipper Andy Balbirnie leading the way with a brilliant 117-ball 102- an innings which included 10 fours and 2 sixes.

In reply, South Africa never really got going in their run-chase as they kept losing wickets at regular intervals to eventually get bowled out for 247 in 48.3 overs, handing Ireland a historic 43-run win.

Ireland, South Africa, Andy Balbirne, Temba Bavuma
Andy Balbirnie led the way with a brilliant ton [Image-Getty]
While Andy Balbirnie top-scored for Ireland, it was a belligerent 90-run-stand between Harry Tector (79 off 68 balls) and George Dockrell (45 off 23 balls) in just 7.4 overs that eventually made the difference for the home side, something Balbirnie acknowledged in the post-match press conference.

With the first ODI getting rained out and Ireland winning the second, it is impossible for the home side to lose the three-match rubber now, and while they would celebrate what is a historic day for their side, Andy Balbirnie said that it’s important for Ireland to keep their focus on winning the series and claim crucial Super League points.

Read More  LSG vs PBKS Weather Report Live Today And Pitch Report Of Ekana Stadium, Lucknow– IPL 2024, Match 11

‘’Tector’s freedom while batting was match-winning. We’ll enjoy this – it’s the first time we have beaten them and it’s a huge day for Ireland. We will have a few beers, it’s not every day that you beat a team of this stature but we have another target in mind, that is to win the series on Friday,” said Andy Balbirnie in the post-match presentation ceremony.

‘’Facing players of the calibre of Rabada and co. and coming out with a decent score, that’s why you play international cricket. We’re pushing hard to get maximum League points this series,” he said.

 

Momentum was on their side and we couldn’t get any on our side’- Temba Bavuma after Proteas succumb to a shock defeat against Ireland

Temba Bavuma
Temba Bavuma. Image-Twitter

Meanwhile, Temba Bavuma, who has become the first South African captain to lose an ODI to Ireland, admitted that the Irish outgunned the Proteas in all three facets of the game, especially fielding, where the visitors were uncharacteristically guilty of dropping catches.

Bavuma lamented on the lack of partnerships, adding that a lot of conversations need to take place within the group on the need to execute game plans on the field.

”They nailed their batting and bowling skills too, and we need to do a lot of work. The plan for us in the first PP was taking wickets and we couldn’t do so. We created chances but our fielding let us down. We pride ourselves on our fielding. Momentum was on their side and we couldn’t get any on our side. No partnerships for us either, other than Rassie and Malan, and a lot of conversations need to happen and need to translate to execution on the field,” said Bavuma.

Read More  Babar Azam goes to war with Pakistan Cricket Board!! Skips the Army Camp in Kakul

The third and final ODI between Ireland and South Africa will take place on Friday, July 16.

Also Read- ICC World Test Championship (2021-2023): ICC Confirms Points System And Fixtures List For WTC 02