Ireland vs South Africa: Captain Andy Balbirnie's century powers hosts to maiden ODI win over Proteas

Dublin: Ireland captain Andy Balbirnie led from the front with a hundred as his side beat South Africa for the first time in a one-day international with a 43-run success at Malahide on Tuesday. Balbirnie’s 102, his seventh hundred at this level, was the centrepiece of Ireland’s 290-5. South Africa could only manage 247 all out in reply as the hosts took an unassailable 1-0 lead in a series reduced to two matches following Sunday’s washout, although the Proteas can square the campaign by winning on Friday. Ireland’s victory also gave them 10 points in the World Cup Super League, which will qualify teams for the 2023 50-over showpiece in India. Ireland white-ball wins over established Test nations, once restricted to World Cups, are no longer the shocks of old with Tuesday’s triumph following a defeat of England in Southampton last year. Balbirnie, opening the innings, batted until the 42nd over before Harry Tector added impetus with a dashing 79 off 68 balls, which included six fours and four sixes. Tector and George Dockrell (45) boosted the total with a fourth-wicket stand of 90. South Africa did not help themselves by dropping four catches, with Balbirnie reprieved on 74. [caption id=“attachment_9804061” align=“alignnone” width=“640”] Ireland have beaten South Africa for the first time in ODIs. AP[/caption] They also rested star batsman Quinton de Kock for a second successive match and left out fast bowler Lungi Ngidi. Janneman Malan (84) and Rassie van der Dussen (49) shared a 108-run stand but the Proteas’ innings fell away after the pair were dismissed within eight balls of each other. Brief scores Ireland 290-5, 50 overs (A Balbirnie 102, H Tector 79) South Africa 247, 48.3 overs (J Malan 84) Result: Ireland won by 43 runs