The Proteas go into the 3rd ODI against Ireland in Dublin on Friday knowing they will need a victory just to level the series.
All 3 ODI’s have been played at the Malahide ground and the first one was declared a “no result” due to rain.
South Africa started strong favourites to take a 1-0 series lead when the teams met on Tuesday and they won the toss and decided to field. The Irish got off to a good start, putting on 64 for the 1st wicket at close to 5 an over and Man of the Match and Captain, Balbirnie, made a century getting 102 at a strike rate of 87. There were also solid contributions from most of the other batsmen and particularly Tector with 79 and Dockrell with 45 at almost 2 runs a ball towards the tail end of the innings. Ireland finished on 290 for 5 in their 50 overs.
Shamsi was the most economical of the Proteas bowlers getting 1 wicket for 42 in his 10 overs, but he looked nowhere near as effective in the Irish conditions as he did in the West Indies. Phehlukwayo got 2 wickets, but was carted for 73 runs in his 10 overs.
South Africa lost Markram in the 5th over with the score at 28 and Captain, Bavuma followed a few overs later scoring just 10. Opener, Malan made 84 at a strike rate of 87 and there was a useful contribution from Van der Dussen with 49 at a strike rate of 70. The Proteas found themselves getting into run rate trouble and were constantly losing wickets eventually getting bowled out for 247, 9 balls short of completing the innings.
The Irish bowlers shared the wickets amongst them and all of them were economical and never went for more than 5.5 an over.
3rd ODI BETTING – Click here to bet
Ireland 9/2
South Africa 1/6
Suggested Bet: Handicap – Ireland +6.5 wickets or +46.5 runs
This bet landed for us last time and I am happy to stick with it as there s not as much between the sides as the betting suggests and the Irish will be pumped up to seal the series.
Suggested Bet: Top Away Bowler Shamsi at 7/2
Although he didn’t reach the levels he did in the West Indies on Tuesday he still bowled well and I suspect the Irish are going to try and get after him and could pay the price.
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
