Paul Stirling and Harry Tector shine as Ireland pulls off sensational upset against South Africa

In a stunning upset, Ireland has recorded just their second-ever One-Day International win over South Africa by winning the third and final ODI of the series by 69 runs on Monday, October 7, in Abu Dhabi.

Half-centuries from captain Paul Stirling and Harry Tector and an all-round bowling effort helped the Ireland cricket team to finish the white-ball campaign on high against South Africa at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

It was Ireland's only second victory over the South Africa cricket team in the ODI cricket, with their first win coming in Dublin back in July 2021. Well, after suffering heavy defeats in the first two matches of the three-match ODI series, Ireland turned things around in dramatic style.

Paul Stirling's heroics lead Ireland to a stunning win over South Africa in the 3rd ODI

Notably, South Africa had comfortably won the first ODI by 139 runs and followed up with an even bigger 174-run win two days later in the second ODI to secure the series. However, Ireland was determined not to return the empty hand and pulled off a sensational upset on Monday.

After winning the toss, Ireland opted to bat first and set a challenging target of 285 runs for South Africa. It was a lot better batting display from the Irish side, as they were bowled out for 132 while chasing 272 runs in the first ODI and then bundled out for just 169 runs while chasing 344 runs for victory in the second ODI against the Proteas side.

Meanwhile, Ireland captain Paul Stirling played a powerful knock of 88 runs off 92 balls studded with eight boundaries and three sixes on his way to a 30th ODI half-century to help his team post a challenging target on the board. He was well supported by Andrew Balbirnie (45), as the opening pair put together a century-long partnership.

Harry Tector then chipped in with 60 runs off 48 balls to continue the steady momentum, but after Lorcan Tucker’s (26 runs off 28 balls) wicket, Ireland's innings ended dramatically as the last six players could score only 17 runs together against South Africa in Abu Dhabi.

Lizaad Williams turns out hero for South Africa in Ireland ODIs

For South Africa, Lizaad Williams (4/56), Ottniel Baartman (2/32), and Andile Phehlukwayo (2/32) starred with the ball in the final ODI against Ireland in Abu Dhabi. The Proteas’ chase began disastrously as Mark Adair tore through their top order, reducing them to 10/3 inside the five overs.

Kyle Verreynne (38) and Tristan Stubbs (20) tried to stabilize the innings, but when Craig Young dismissed the latter, South Africa found themselves in deep trouble at 79/5. Despite some resistance from Jason Smith, who fought valiantly for his 91 off 93 balls, South Africa could not stage a comeback against South Africa.

Graham Hume eventually removed Smith to seal the massive and well-deserved win for Ireland against South Africa. Hume and Craig Young scalped three wickets each while Adair managed two wickets to bowl out the Proteas side to 215 runs with 23 balls to spare in Abu Dhabi.

Notably, Lizaad Williams was named Player of the Series after he finished as the leading wicket-taker in the three-match ODI series with 11 wickets against Ireland. On the other hand, Paul Stirling was named Player of the Match for his brilliant knock in the final game against South Africa.

We are relieved to have won the third ODI: Paul Stirling

Paul Stirling said at the post-match presentation: “Thankful that we won the toss and got to bat first. It was slow to start with, and the pitch quickened up later on. We are relieved to have won the third ODI. Happy to have played well in tough conditions and won this game. The game plan was already set coming in.

We knew that if we applied ourselves and kept wickets in hand, we would score runs. We knew there would be seam movement under lights, and it worked for us. We got the best conditions today and were able to make use of that. The players we have used in this series, both the T20Is and ODIs, will be better going forward.”