Stubbs reaches his first ODI century as South Africa thrashes Ireland

Abu Dhabi (AFP) – Tristan Stubbs smashed his first one-day international century as South Africa demolished Ireland by 174 runs and ended the three-match series with one match remaining on Friday.

Released on: 04/10/2024 – 17:47Modified: 04/10/2024 – 21:07

2 minutes

Stubbs, 24, scored an unbeaten 112 off 81 balls with eight fours and three sixes as the Proteas amassed 343-4 in 50 overs.

In response, Ireland were dismissed for 169 runs with almost 20 overs remaining after suffering their second consecutive heavy defeat after losing by 139 runs in the first match on Wednesday.

Stubbs scored 79 in that match and was ruthless again on Friday, reaching triple figures with 75 deliveries as the Irish attack faltered despite using seven bowlers.

Stubbs shared 103 runs for the third wicket with recalled Kyle Verreynne and 92 for the fourth wicket with Wiaan Mulder.

Verreynne hit 67 off 64 balls and Mulder accelerated to 43 off 34 deliveries, while top-order Ryan Rickelton hit 40 to add to his 91 from the first over.

“I thought in the first match me and Ricks were back-to-back. Today, I didn’t want that to happen,” Stubbs explained.

“That was our focus. I thought they shot pretty well. They made us hit hard. We rotated well and that helped us score runs.”

The only cloud for the Proteas was that captain Temba Bavuma was forced to retire from the game due to an elbow injury he suffered while trying to avoid a run-out.

Opening batsman Bavuma was 35 when he was forced to retire and stayed off the field as Ireland batted and Rassie van der Dussen took command.

“I think I aggravated an old elbow injury. We’ll find out in the next few days. For now, I am at the mercy of the doctors,” Bavuma said.

Ireland’s response got off to the worst possible start when opener Andy Balbirnie (one) and captain Paul Stirling (five) returned to the pavilion at the end of the third over with just seven runs on the board.

The Proteas were attacking with regularity before Craig Young (29 not out) and Graham Hume (21) scored an entertaining combination of 52 for the last wicket.

South Africa fast bowler Lizaad Williams, who posted a career-best score of 4-32 on Wednesday, took figures of 3-36 from five overs.

“It was a tough day at the office,” Stirling said.

The three-match series will conclude on Monday at the same facility in Abu Dhabi.