South Africa leads the One Day International series against Ireland by 2-0 after a 174 run victory in Abu Dhabi. Tristan Stubbs’ maiden ODI century – an unbeaten 112 from 81 balls – set South Africa up with a strong 343 for 4.

The Proteas won the toss and chose to bat first. Captain Temba Bavuma stepped in as the opening batsman with Ryan Rickelton after Tony de Zorzi injured himself in the previous ODI.  Bavuma (35) retired with an elbow injury with the score on 68-0 before Rickleton was dismissed on 40 to leave his side on 78-1.

Stand-in skipper Rassie van der Dussen added 35 before Kyle Verreynne and Stubbs put on 103 for the third wicket.  This was only the third time in men’s ODIs that the top six of a team had each made 35 or more.

Lizaad Williams and Tristan Stubbs. Photo: X 

Ireland’s Andy McBrine was the most economical bowler for the side, giving away only 43 runs in his 10 overs and getting the important wicket of Kyle Verreyne (69).

Ireland's top-order never gained a solid footing against the Proteas and the team quickly slid to 117 for 9. Lizaad Williams picked up three wickets, all with the new ball, effectively shutting Ireland out of the contest within the first 10 overs of their chase.  It took the third-highest 10th-wicket stand in Ireland’s history, between Graham Hume and Craig Young, to take them to 169 all out.  

The third and final ODI between South Africa and Ireland will take place on Monday.

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger dg