Ireland vs South Africa – 1st One-Day International Match Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Ireland vs South Africa taking place? Sunday, July 11th, 2021 – 10:45 (UK)
Where is Ireland vs South Africa taking place? The Village, Malahide, Dublin
What is the expected weather for Ireland vs South Africa? 17-18c, with a chance of light rain showers throughout the scheduled hours of play and a moderate breeze
What channel is Ireland vs South Africa on? This match will not be televised in the UK
Where can I stream Ireland vs South Africa? The match is not currently scheduled for streaming, although be sure to check the Cricket Ireland Youtube channel on the day of the fixture.
LAST MEETING
South Africa beat Ireland by 206 runs
THE TEAM NEWS
IRELAND
- Ireland takes on South Africa in an ODI series for the first time ever with Andrew Balbirnie’s side understandably the underdogs despite having home advantage in their favour.
- Considering that Ireland are coming off the back of a 1-2 ODI series defeat against Netherlands last month, the hosts will need to significantly improve here vs very tough opposition, particularly with the bat, with their most recent defeat seeing them bowled out for just 163.
- Big hitting opener Paul Stirling at the top of the order will no doubt play a crucial role for Ireland, as will all-rounder George Dockrell, whilst 22-year-old all-rounder Curtis Campher is set to face off against his country of birth, having formerly played for South Africa under 19s.
SOUTH AFRICA
- Following their thrilling 2-3 T20i series victory against West Indies, South Africa now turn their attention to 50 over cricket in what should be an easier assignment than their duels against the Windies.
- Wicketkeeper batter Quinton de Kock is in the form of his life with the bat currently and the Ireland bowlers must find a way to dismiss him early if they are to stand any chance in this first ODI, with captain Temba Bavuma and top order batter Rassie van der Dussen also hoping to gain big runs in the series.
- Fast bowlers Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje provide the heavy ammunition with the ball, whilst spin-bowler Tabraiz Shamsi will be hoping to transfer his excellent recent T20 form into 50 over cricket here.
THE PREDICTION
South Africa head into this ODI series on a huge high after beating the West Indies to win their five-match T20i series, although the Proteas will need to avoid any complacency here against a dangerous Ireland outfit. Their series defeat vs Netherlands will have hurt Ireland greatly and with nothing to lose in this match, they have an opportunity with home advantage in their favour to claim a serious scalp. However, the quality of South Africa with both bat and ball in limited overs cricket is vast. All bases are seemingly covered, with spin complimenting pace with the ball and big hitting complimenting slower methodical play with the bat. With that in mind, the tourists are expected to comfortably secure victory in the opening match of this series.