South Africa, led by captain Temba Bavuma, have opted to bat first in the second ODI against Ireland in Abu Dhabi. This decision marks the second consecutive toss win for Bavuma in the three-match series, which South Africa aims to clinch with a 2-0 lead.
Tony de Zorzi, South Africa’s opener, has been rested for the match due to a soft tissue injury in his right knee. He sustained the injury while sliding to make a stop in the deep during the first ODI. Kyle Verreynne has been brought in as his replacement, while Bavuma will move up to open alongside Ryan Rickelton, who played a crucial role in the previous game with a 91-run knock.
Nandre Burger, who missed the series opener, has been ruled out of the remaining tour, including South Africa’s upcoming two-match Test series in Bangladesh, due to a lumbar stress reaction.
Ireland, on the other hand, has fielded an unchanged XI from the team that lost by 139 runs in the first ODI. Paul Stirling continues to lead the side, with Andy Balbirnie, Curtis Campher, Harry Tector, and Stephen Doheny forming the core of the batting lineup.
