RYAN RICKELTON and Tristan Stubbs hit half-centuries as South Africa trounced Ireland by 139 runs in the first of three one-day internationals on Wednesday.
The victory allowed the Proteas to avenge a shock T20 loss to the same opponents last weekend and also followed an ODI series defeat against Afghanistan last month.
Rickelton, opening the batting in just his third appearance in the format, hit 91 off 102 balls with seven fours and three sixes.
It was the 28-year-old’s highest score in all international cricket but his hopes of a maiden century were dashed when he dragged a ball from Andy McBrine onto his stumps in the 35th over.
Middle-order batsman Stubbs, playing in only his fifth ODI, was equally unforgiving on Ireland’s bowlers, making 79 off 86 balls with two fours and four sixes.
Both men helped rescue South Africa from a perilous 39-3, putting on 152 for the fourth wicket as the Proteas made 271-9 off their 50 overs.
“When Tristan came in we were in a spot of bother,” admitted Rickelton. “But we score quite quickly so we knew we could catch up.”
Leg-spinner Gavin Hoey endured a nightmare debut with figures of 0-65 from his 10 overs.
Mark Adair, who took four wickets in Ireland’s 10-run T20 win on Sunday, claimed another four-wicket haul on Wednesday.
In reply, Ireland struggled to make headway against fast bowlers Lizaad Williams and Lungi Ngidi with their first five wickets falling for just 61 runs.
Only three Irish batsmen got past 20 with Williams, playing in just his fifth ODI, finishing with a career-best 4-32 off his 10 overs.
Ireland were eventually bowled out for 132 in the 32nd over with veteran all-rounder George Dockrell top-scoring with a modest 21.
“It was a tough defeat tonight,” said Ireland skipper Paul Stirling.
“I think it did a couple of things which I didn’t expect. It did nip around. When you have a side three down, we need to take our chances.”
The second and third games of the series take place at the same Abu Dhabi venue on Friday and Sunday.
Ogbene and obafemi should our front two going forward. Their pace alone would concern most defences. Their finishing is on par or better than parrott. Parrott very wasteful and over admired by Kenny.
Kenny out !!
@Gary O’Rourke: do expand on that please. You haven’t a clue pal
I was a Kenny supporter up to now but after his inexplicable decision to leave Parrott on the pitch and take Obafemi off I’ve changed my mind.
@Joe Healy: over one sub… Ya thats the reason to sack him. Another keyboard warriors fook me they are everywhere tonight. Great display game plan, control, an actual plan to beat the high press. We didn’t convert our chances simple as, Maybe you didn’t see THAT Joe too busy with the boys on the pub.
@Joe Healy: Maybe there was a reason we’re not aware of. Obafemi is not playing at the minute and perhaps had a knock or was out on his feet.
Game wasn’t just lost on the pitch. It was the sidelines too. Ogbene should have started. Inform player scoring goals. Parrot was too wasteful. No goals in the league for Preston.. frustrating display from Ireland.
Can any Kenny Out believer please explain? You’d swear he was underachieving with this group of players the way they go on and we have defined right to get a result last night. Scotland are a better team with players at a higher level than us. We were always underdogs last night. It’s the worst crop of players I’ve ever seen, but it is the most enjoyable I’ve seen an Ireland team play since Mick McCarthy 20 years ago. Yes the result was frustrating last night because we deserved something, but by god you couldn’t fault that performance against a superior side to us. So to the Kenny doubters, no other manager would get any more out of this team and leave him in the job.