ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – Ireland Men's cricket team wrapped up their ODI series against South Africa in spectacular fashion on Monday, securing a 69-run victory with 23 balls to spare in Abu Dhabi.

After tying the preceding T20I series, Ireland clinched a triumphant finish in the three-game ODI series, despite South Africa winning the first two matches.

A stellar all-round performance saw Ireland convincingly defeat South Africa. Captain Paul Stirling led with the bat, scoring 88 off 92 balls, supported by contributions from the entire batting lineup, while Ireland’s seamers capitalized on the advantage with the ball.

@cricket-ireland Stirling won the toss for the first time in five attempts and opted to bat, forming a strong partnership with Andrew Balbirnie. Together, they set a new record for Ireland’s highest opening stand against South Africa in ODIs, amassing 101 runs.

Stirling reached his 30th ODI half-century before Balbirnie (45) was caught by Tristan Stubbs off Lizaad Williams, just five runs shy of his own fifty.

Despite the intense Abu Dhabi heat, Ireland’s captain continued his innings until the 35th over. Curtis Campher (34) and Lorcan Tucker (26) added valuable runs, while Harry Tector's brisk 60 off 48 balls marked a welcome return to form, taking Ireland to 284-9 in their 50 overs.

Mark Adair and Graham Hume quickly found their rhythm with the new ball, each taking a wicket to leave South Africa reeling at 8-2. Adair then trapped stand-in captain Rassie van der Dussen lbw, bringing the score to 10-3 and boosting Ireland’s confidence.

Kyle Verreynne (38) attempted to stabilize the innings but fell to Craig Young, leaving the Proteas struggling at 59-4.

A 47-run stand between Jason Smith and Andile Phehlukwayo provided some resistance until Phehlukwayo top-edged a pull shot to Young, giving Fionn Hand his debut ODI wicket.

Smith continued to fight, reaching a well-earned half-century, but could only watch as Bjorn Fortuin (11) was bowled by Matthew Humphreys and Williams became Young’s third victim.

Sensing victory, Ireland pressed on. Smith approached a century but was caught off Hume's bowling, leaving Ireland just one wicket away from a memorable win.

Hume claimed the final wicket in the 47th over, capping off a successful international year for Ireland Men.

MATCH SUMMARY

Ireland Men vs. South Africa Men, 3rd ODI, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – 7 October 2024

Ireland 284-9 (50 overs; P Stirling 88, H Tector 60, A Balbirnie 45; L Williams 4-56)

South Africa 215 (46.1 overs; J Smith 91; G Hume 3-29, C Young 3-40, M Adair 2-54)

Ireland won by 69 runs