South Africa Elects to Bat First in ODI Opener Against Ireland
In the inaugural One-Day International (ODI) match between South Africa and Ireland in Abu Dhabi, Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma opted to bat first. The decision was made after assessing the pitch, which featured additional grass cover and a projected par score of 260-270.
Ryan Rickelton and Rassie van der Dussen returned to the South African XI after missing the recent Afghanistan series, which the Proteas lost 2-1. Andy Balbirnie, who was omitted from the T20I squad, made his ODI comeback as an opener alongside Paul Stirling.
Ireland handed a maiden ODI cap to legspinner Gavin Hoey, while Stephen Doheny took over wicketkeeping duties. The Irish team also included Curtis Campher, Harry Tector, George Dockrell, Mark Adair, Andy McBrine, Graham Hume, and Craig Young.
South Africa’s batting lineup featured Rickelton as the wicketkeeper, followed by Tony de Zorzi, Bavuma, van der Dussen, Tristan Stubbs, Wiaan Mulder, Andile Phehlukwayo, Bjorn Fortuin, Lizaad Williams, Lungi Ngidi, and Ottneil Baartman.
The match marked the first time the two teams had faced off in an ODI since 2019. South Africa holds a 3-1 advantage in their previous ODI encounters.
