Harry Tector of Ireland, left, is congratulated by team-mate George Dockrell after catching South Africa's David Miller during the 2nd Dafanews Cup Series One Day International match between Ireland and South Africa at The Village in Malahide, Dublin. Photo by Seb Daly/SportsfileANDY BALBIRNIE led from the front with a superb century as Ireland buried a 15-year jinx at Malahide with a 43-run victory over South Africa to take a 1-0 lead with one play in their World Cup Super League series. When his 117-ball innings ended with a mis-timed drive to mid-off, the Ireland innings took off in spectacular style with 96 runs coming from the last 8.2 overs as Tector and Dockrell peppered the boundaries at The Village ground. South Africa, one of the five Test match-playing sides that Ireland had never beaten, looked in control as they eased to 159-2 in the 33rd over before Dockrell had top scorer Janneman Malan caught in the deep for 84 and a moment of controversy followed seven balls later. After Sunday’s abandonment, Ireland have garnered 15 World Cup qualifying points from two games they would have been privately expecting to lose, and will be confident of competing again in Friday’s final contest at the same venue.

Source: Irish Independent July 13, 2021 18:11 UTC