Ireland vs South Africa Match Preview, 1st ODI

South Africa (Source – Getty Images)

After the end of their T20I series, both Ireland and South Africa will now gear up for the upcoming ODI matchups. Both sides will lock horns at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi, on Wednesday, October 2. The two-game T20I series ended in a tie after South Africa won the first game, but Ireland came back in the second.

With the ODI series, Ireland will hope for a similar showing. Winning the second T20I would have filled the side with confidence, and they would look to approach the ODI series with the same mindset.

On the other hand, South Africa will be aiming to do better. The T20I series ending on level terms would not be something that the Proteas would have anticipated, and the side would look to put in their all in the ODI series to make sure that the result is not repeated.

Match Details

Pitch Report

The surface at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi is one that has a little bit of grass coverage, which in turn helps the seamers in the early stages of the matches. However, as the game progresses, the pitch tends to turn flat, helping the batters. Opting to bowl first and then chasing the target could be a viable option on such a pitch.

Also Read: ‘We thought it was chaseable’ – Aiden Markram rues missing out on ‘small moments’ after shock defeat to Ireland

Head-to-Head Record

Probable Playing XIs

Ireland

Under the leadership of Paul Stirling, and the likes of Curtis Campher and Harry Tector alongside him, Ireland will be looking to put in a good showing once more and topple the Proteas.

Predicted XI: Andrew Balbirnie, Paul Stirling (c), Curtis Campher, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (wk), George Dockrell, Mark Adair, Andy McBrine, Craig Young, Fionn Hand, and Graham Hume.

South Africa

South Africa should have their ODI skipper Temba Bavuma back into the lineup, and with the likes of Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, and many more stars in the side, the Proteas would be expecting a win in the first game.

Predicted XI: Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickleton, Rassie van der Dussen, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne(w), Wiaan Mulder, Andile Phehlukwayo, Bjorn Fortuin, Nqaba Peter, and Lungi Ngidi.

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