Ireland rode on an emphatic knock from captain Andrew Balbirnie to put 290/5 in the second ODI against South Africa in Dublin. Balbirnie notched up 102 off 117 to help his side post a good total against a formidable South African bowling attack.
Batting first, Balbirnie and Stirling had a decent start to the proceedings as the two openers scored 64 for the first wicket before Stirling departed for 27. But Balbirnie continued his form and stitched a 60-run stand with Andy McBrine who chipped in with 30 off 47 before getting trapped in front of the stumps by Shamsi.
Balbirnie was then joined by Harry Tector in the middle and the two batsmen took on the Proteas bowlers to put a partnership of 70 for the third wicket.
The skipper was eventually sent back in the hut by Kagiso Rabada after being caught by Temba Bavuma. But Balbirnie’s dismissal didn’t really affect Tector’s concentration and he went on to score a half-century.
He was eventually dismissed for 79 off 68 which included four maximums and six boundaries during the course. Tector and Dockrell who had joined him at number five scored 90 runs for the fourth wicket.
For South Africa, Phelukwayo picked up a couple of wickets while Rabada, Shamsi and Keshav Maharaj got a wicket apiece.
The two teams are up against each in a three-match ODI series which will be followed by as many T20Is.
The first ODI was called off due to rain.