On this day in 2021: Ireland record their first win over South Africa
The Ireland cricket team has gone to register many cricketing upsets in the last one-and-a-half decade including the 2007 World Cup victory against Pakistan, defeating England in the 2011 World Cup in a high-scoring thriller to name a few.
Apart from these two ODI victories, the Irish team also stunned South Africa in a One Day International encounter which was played on this very day last year. Ireland and South Africa locked horns in the second ODI at The Village in Dublin and South African skipper Temba Bavuma won the toss and elected to bowl first. Paul Stirling and Andrew Balbirnie ensured a good start for the hosts by adding 64 runs for the opening wicket.
While the other batters could not convert their good starts, Andrew Balbirnie held on from one end and attacked the Proteas bowlers. He showed a fearless intent in the middle and brought up an outstanding century. The Irish skipper was eventually dismissed for 102. Crucial knocks from the middle-order duo of Harry Tector (79) and George Dockrell (45) powered Ireland to a competitive total of 290/5.
In reply, the visitors lost Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma before opener Janneman Malan staged a lone fightback on a greenish wicket. Malan looked well set for an outstanding century but was dismissed for 84 in the 33rd over just when the Proteas were gaining the upper hand in the contest. His dismissal transferred the pressure completely on the South African middle-order.
Rassie van der Dussen then tried to steer his team across the line once he was well set at the crease. Unfortunately for him and the Proteas, he was trapped plumb in front of the wicket by Andy McBrine for a hard-working 49. Post his dismissal, none of the other batters could make any impact and South Africa were skittled for just 247 in the penultimate over.
Ireland thus, emerged victorious by 43 runs and took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. South Africa staged a comeback in the third game as the series ended in a stalemate at 1-1. The series opener was washed away due to rain. Irish skipper Andrew Balbirnie was adjudged the Player of the Match for his match-winning century.
