South Africa crushes Ireland by 139 runs in ODI opener

South Africa scored 271-9 thanks to opener Ryan Rickelton’s 91 runs in 102 balls — with three sixes and seven fours — and 79 from Tristan Stubbs after winning the toss and choosing to bat in the first of three one-day internationals.

Rickelton and Stubbs put on a 152-run partnership for the fourth wicket as they helped the Proteas recover from an early innings collapse.

Lizaad Williams then tore through Ireland’s top-order, taking three wickets in an eight-over opening spell as they Irish slumped to be five down inside the first 15-overs.

Williams ended with 4-32, his best ODI figures from his five matches played, with Lungi Ngidi and Bjorn Fortuin taking a further two wickets apiece as Ireland was bowled out for 132 in 31.5 overs in reply.

George Dockrell top-scored for the Irish with 21 off 32 balls.

Earlier, Adair claimed 4-50 off 10 overs. That followed the seamer’s standout performance on Sunday when Ireland achieved its first-ever Twenty20 cricket victory against South Africa in the second match of the T20 series, which ended 1-1. Adair took 4-31 in four overs in that match.

Like the T20 games, the ODI series is taking place in Abu Dhabi.

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