Ireland lose ODI opener against South Africa in Abu Dhabi

South Africa bounced back from a first-ever T20 defeat to Ireland with a thumping 139-run victory in the series-opening ODI in Abu Dhabi.

Ireland’s historic 10-run victory on Sunday saw the T20 series finish in a 1-1 draw but Paul Stirling’s side were skittled for 132 in 31.5 overs responding to South Africa’s 271 for nine.

George Dockrell top-scored for Ireland with 21, with Andy Balbirnie and Curtis Campher each reaching 20 but failing to kick on, with both batters dismissed by Lizaad Williams, who claimed four for 32.

Mark Adair had earlier claimed four for 50 and Craig Young three for 45 to drag back the Proteas, who looked set for a higher score after reaching 191 for three in the 35th over.

But even at that stage they had enough, thanks to opener Ryan Rickelton’s 91 off 102 balls plus Tristan Stubbs’ 79 off 86 deliveries.

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