Sheikh Zayed Stadium Abu Dhabi Pitch Report For SA Vs IRE 3rd ODI

Sheikh Zayed Stadium Abu Dhabi [Source: @DSBcricket/X]Sheikh Zayed Stadium Abu Dhabi [Source: @DSBcricket/X]

After emerging victorious in the first two ODIs, South Africa are ready to take on Ireland in the final fixture of the ongoing three-match series in Abu Dhabi. The Proteas have already bagged the series, having registered clinical wins in the first two encounters. So, the third ODI, which will be played at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, gives Ireland a final opportunity to salvage their pride with a consolation victory. 

Ahead of the final dead rubber, South Africa have suffered a massive setback, with their captain Temba Bavuma being ruled out with an injury. In his absence, stylish southpaw Tony de Zorzi might open the batting alongside the in-form Ryan Rickelton. 

Barring these two, Tristan Stubbs, who hammered his maiden ODI ton in the previous game, will play a crucial role for the Proteas. Meanwhile, the Irish will heavily rely on Paul Stirling and Harry Tector for an improved performance with the bat. 

The all-round duo of Curtis Campher and George Dockrell might give the South Africans a run for their money, while Mark Adair and Graham Hume could be Ireland's players to watch out for with the new ball. 

So, as Ireland gear up to conclude the tour on a high note, let's see how the surface at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi will behave throughout the contest. 

Sheikh Zayed Stadium Abu Dhabi Pitch Report

The pitch at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi might offer a hint of lateral movement to the new ball bowlers, particularly in the second half. Although the batters will utilise its even pace and bounce to score runs, the track's dryness could bring the spinners into play as the game progresses. Run-scoring generally gets difficult in the latter half in Abu Dhabi. So, whichever team wins the toss will likely bat first.