SA Vs IRE, 3rd ODI | Playing 11 Prediction, Preview And Live Streaming

IRE vs SA 3rd ODI Preview [Source: @cricketireland/x.com]

Ireland are all set to lock horns with South Africa in the third and final ODI on Monday, October 7 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. The Proteas will look to capitalise on their red-hot form and wrap up the series with a 3-0 margin whereas the Irishmen will look to salvage some pride and stem the tide of defeats that have plagued them throughout the series.

SA Vs IRE 3rd ODI: Team Previews

Ireland

Ireland have been caught between a rock and a hard place, enduring four defeats in their last five ODIs, with a solitary abandoned game offering them little respite. Their batting woes have been glaring, and their bowlers have struggled to make early breakthroughs.

In the second ODI which they lost by a whopping 174-run margin, Mark Adair and Graham Hume couldn’t pick wickets with the new ball, while Craig Young and Curtis Campher managed just one wicket each but at the cost of hefty runs as South Africa posted 343/4 in 50 overs.

Despite having experienced campaigners like Andrew Balbirnie and captain Paul Stirling, Ireland’s top order has repeatedly faltered, with the last game seeing Craig Young top-scoring with just 29 as Ireland was bowled out for 169.

For Ireland, this final fixture is all about restoring some dignity as they aim to avoid being completely swept aside by Bavuma’s men. A consolation win would give them a much-needed boost, allowing them to catch their breath after a series that’s tested their resolve.

South Africa

On the other hand, having won this series after two shock defeats against Afghanistan, South Africa has found its groove again. Their performance in the second ODI was nothing short of a masterclass.

Posting a mammoth 343/4 in their 50 overs, South Africa’s batters were in full flow. Tristan Stubbs’ blistering century (112) was the cherry on top, while Kyle Verreynne’s solid fifty and useful contributions from Ryan Rickelton, captain Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, and Wiaan Mulder laid a strong foundation.

It was a case of all hands on deck as every player chipped in to maintain their stranglehold on the series. With the ball, South Africa showed no signs of loosening their grip either. 

Led by Lizaad Williams' three-wicket haul, supported ably by Lungi Ngidi and Bjorn Fortuin, who picked up two wickets each, Ireland were bundled out for a mere 169. The Proteas will look to maintain the winning momentum and clean sweep the series.

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SA Vs IRE 3rd ODI: Match Details & Live Streaming

SA Vs IRE 3rd ODI: Sheikh Zayed Stadium Pitch Report

Conditions at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium are likely to be a key factor once again. The trend from the first two ODIs suggests that batting under the lights could prove tricky, with both pacers and spinners extracting considerable assistance from the deck. The batters will need to weather the early storm and get their eye in before unleashing big shots. With 250 expected to be the par score, the team winning the toss will most likely opt to bat first and put pressure on the chasing side.

SA Vs IRE 3rd ODI: Probable Playing XIs

Ireland: Paul Stirling (c), Andrew Balbirnie, Curtis Campher, Harry Tector, Stephen Doheny (wk), George Dockrell, Andy McBrine, Mark Adair, Craig Young, Graham Hume, Gavin Hoey

South Africa: Ryan Rickelton (wk), Tony de Zorzi, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne, Tristan Stubbs, Wiaan Mulder, Andile Phehlukwayo, Bjorn Fortuin, Lizaad Williams, Lungi Ngidi, Ottneil Baartman

SA Vs IRE 3rd ODI: Winner Prediction

Considering the current form, overall team composition and how both sides have fared in the series, South Africa are clear favourites to win this clash.

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