The 2nd ODI witnessed South Africa’s fantastic performance with a score of 343-4 (50 overs), defeating Ireland by 174 runs, resulting in a 2-0 series win. In this victory, Tristan Stubbs shone with an undefeated score of 112, a personal best in his career, on the sultry Friday afternoon in Abu Dhabi. South Africa’s choice to bat first paid off, particularly with Stubbs hitting his first ever ODI century, accompanied by Kyle Verreynne’s impressive 67 runs. Together, they contributed 103 runs for the third wicket.
However, worries surfaced for South Africa as their captain, Temba Bavuma, retired due to a soft tissue arm injury after a promising 35 runs. This injury casts doubts over his participation in the 2-match away tour in Bangladesh commencing October 21st.
In retaliation, Ireland were dismissed at 169 runs, a score that was mildly salvaged due to a final wicket partnership of 52 runs between Graham Hume (21 not out) and Craig Young (29), marking the highest score for Ireland in the series.
Lizaad Williams, a seamer, took 3 crucial wickets early on and concluded with a 3 for 36 figures, securing his position as the standout South African bowler for two consecutive games.
Despite the absence of specific regular players, South Africa’s performance remained unaffected. The venue for the third and concluding ODI on Monday remains the same.
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