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.
Surely only a matter of time now before it’s BT Thomond Park, BT Ravenhill, etc…
Only a matter of time too before they buy the full premier league package. Next we will see croke park renamed sky sports croke park arena.
If you are going to rename your stadium I guess keeping the original name and sticking the letters BT before is probably the least offensive option….
I’d nearly sponsor the Edinburgh team to not play their home games in Murrayfield! Absolutely dead atmosphere which takes away from the games played there! I can’t explain why it annoys me so much but it does!!
Yea, should be played in a much smaller venue.
Good news for the rabo, we need the Scottish union to be financially secure and able to finance two quality teams to the league to keep things competitive. There’s even talk of a third Scottish club opening in Aberdeen, which would be great.
I don’t care about stadium naming rights,but this nauseating ‘Sponsor X’s values and ethics really align with our own’ PR bullshit is just the worst kind of nonsense.
There was an article in the times last November saying BT were in advanced negotiations with the Irish provinces too over forms of sponsorship like shirts etc. the welsh & Scottish BT deals were mentioned in the sane article. Will be interesting to see if there is an announcement in this regard in the coming weeks.
BT Thomand park?? They can BT feck off!!
Great news for Scottish rugby and for the Pro12 to have the finances to keep Glasgow competitive and help to improve Edinburgh. I just hope the long term knock on effect isn’t the devaluing of the Pro12 brand to SKY Sports if/ when it comes time to review the broadcasting agreement, as potentially SKY money could be the making or breaking of the league when it comes to competing with the English and French equivalents.
Fair play to them, I never understand some of the negativity about naming rights. Like when Musgrave park was renamed Irish Independent park the paper got slated rather than praised for supporting the game
I’d prefer Sky across the Leinster jersey than a bankrupt state owned Bank!