South Africa take on Ireland in a three-match ODI series, starting on Sunday, 11 July to 16 July. All the matches will be played in Dublin’s Malahide Cricket Club.
The Proteas, fresh from a successful tour of the Caribbean where they won 3-2 in the T20I series and 2-0 in the Tests. Mark Boucher and captain Temba Bavuma will be eyeing up another series win, this time in the ODI format.
Ireland’s last ODI series was last month against the Netherlands, which they lost 2-1. They have kept the majority of the squad and welcome Curtis Campher amongst others into the squad. The series defeat into the Netherlands last month ruined their chances of automatic qualification for the 2023 World Cup.
On paper and form, this looks like another series that South Africa can and should win.
Players to watch
Aiden Markram – Markram had a great ending to the T20 series against the Windies, his 50 was crucial in the final match of the series. He has been in good form for some time so expect him to cash in the pitch in Dublin.
George Linde – Linde was impressive with the ball in the Caribbean but his batting was not up to his usual standards. Expect him to contribute with both bat and ball in Ireland.
William Porterfield – the 36-year-old top-order batter has kept his spot despite scoring only 5 runs in two innings against the Netherlands. He desperately needs form and Ireland need their senior player to continue if they have any chance of winning.
Curtis Campher – The 22-year-old all-rounder is back in the side after ankle surgery. Campher’s last cricketing action dates back to May 11, he’s made an impressive start to his ODI career and he will be extra motivated considering South Africa is his country of birth
Squads
Ireland ODI squad: Andy Balbirnie (captain), Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Graham Kennedy, Josh Little, Andrew McBrine, Graeme McCarter, Barry McCarthy, William Porterfield, Simi Singh, Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Craig Young.
South Africa ODI squad: Temba Bavuma (captain), Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Quinton de Kock, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Janneman Malan, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne, Lizaad Williams.
Pitch and Conditions
Scores in excess of 300 are not uncommon at Malahide Cricket Club in ODI cricket. This will be welcome to the South African batting unit who struggled on challenging wickets in the Caribbean.
Schedule
Sunday, July 11 – 11:45
Tuesday, July 13 – 11:45
Friday, July 16 – 11:45
