IRE vs SA: 5 players to watch out for in ODI Series

South Africa recently won the five-match T20I series against West Indies by a margin of 3-2. The Proteas team earlier won the Test series 2-0 on their tour to West Indies. Now, they will be on tour to Ireland where they will be playing three ODIs and three T20Is. The tour will commence today with the first ODI on 11th July in Dublin. In this article, we will be discussing five players to watch out for in this ODI series.

5. Rassie van der Dussen

Rassie van der Dussen is one of the most exciting talents in world cricket right now. He averages over 80 in 23 ODI matches with 1 century and 8 fifties. He impressed everyone with his performance in the ODI series against Pakistan. He also played a useful knock in the second Test against the West Indies.

4. Andrew Balbirnie

Ireland captain Andrew Balbirnie will have a big responsibility on his shoulders in this ODI series. He has not been impressive this year so far and will need to step for his team. He has scored 161 runs in 8 ODI innings in 2021 including 2 fifties.

3. Tabraiz Shamsi

Spin bowler Tabraiz Shamsi was the most impressive player in the recently completed T20I series against West Indies. He picked up 7 wickets in 5 matches at a magnificent average of 11.43 and an excellent economy of 4. Shamsi was adjudged player of the series for his performance. He would hope to continue the same form in the 50-over format as well.

2. Paul Stirling

Ireland batsman Paul Stirling is in the form of his life right now. He has scored the most ODI runs in 2021. This year, he has aggregated 546 runs in 8 innings at an average of 78 including 3 centuries and 2 fifties. He will be the most important player for the hosts if they are to win the ODI series.

1. Quinton de Kock

South Africa wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock displayed brilliant form in the Test series and T20Is against West Indies. In the shortest format, he scored the most runs (255) with an average of 51. He hit the three fifties with a high score of 72 and scored runs at a strike rate of 141.66. He earlier won the player of the series award in the Test series. The wicketkeeper-batsman will be vital for the Proteas side in this ODI series.