IRE VS SA 2ND ODI

Right then, that's it from the coverage of this game. South Africa have taken an unassailable lead in this series. These two teams will meet again for the third and final ODI of this series on 7th October. The first ball will be at 11.30 am GMT, but as you all know you can join us early for the build-up. Until then, take care and goodbye.

Temba Bavuma, the winning skipper is in for a chat. He stats by saying that it is a mild discomfort, suggesting a possible aggravation of a previous elbow injury. The extent of the injury will be determined in the coming days. For now, he is relying on medical advice. The team's strategy was to navigate the first 10 overs carefully, given the swinging ball. States that Stubbsy and Kyle Verreynne formed a valuable partnership in the middle order, which helped the team to finish strongly. This performance marked a significant improvement from their first game. Ends by saying that the team's goal is to expand the depth of their playing pool, and the recent performances and opportunities have provided a chance to do so.

Paul Stirling, captain of Ireland is in for a chat. He starts by saying that it was a challenging day for the team, as they struggled to take wickets during the middle overs and couldn’t make any early breakthroughs, making the task even more difficult. The team’s approach hasn’t changed much; they aimed to navigate through the new ball, which once again moved around, but couldn’t manage it effectively. Chasing a total like 340 requires partnerships and big scores, as demonstrated by South Africa. It wasn’t about attacking from the start, but they needed to push beyond the 10s and 20s and build bigger innings, something they couldn’t accomplish.

Tristan Stubbs wins the Player of the Match award for his outstanding knock. He starts by saying that in the first game, both he and Rickelton got out in quick succession, and today he was determined not to let that happen again. That was his main focus. He acknowledged that the opposition bowled well, forcing them to play towards the bigger side of the ground, but he and his partner managed to rotate the strike effectively, which helped them secure the runs.

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Earlier in the innings, South Africa got off to a solid start, the opening duo set the tone really well for them. Although, they lost both their openers in a jiffy. Although, whichever batter came out, contributed well and kept the scoreboard ticking. Tristan Stubbs is particular was inspirational with the ball in hand.

Ireland's batting woes continued, with most of the runs coming from the lower order, preventing an even more humiliating collapse. Their number 11, Craig Young ended up as the top scorer, which speaks volumes about their dismal performance. With this defeat, they’ve lost the series, and the manner of this loss will be particularly demoralizing.

South Africa did the bulk of the damage with the new ball, dismantling Ireland’s top order early. Lizaad Williams was exceptional once again, leading the attack with precision and pace. He ended as the standout bowler, but the rest of the attack was equally effective. Every bowler chipped in, ensuring no respite for the hosts. The relentless pressure from the South African bowlers meant Ireland never had a chance to build partnerships, rounding off a clinical bowling display to back up their imposing total.

Another game and it is another dominant win for the visitors. To be honest, the game was done in the first innings itself. South Africa out batted the hosts as over 340 on that wicket was a mammoth task and then their bowlers yet again were brilliant.

OUT! TIMBER! Bjorn Fortuin hits the top of off. The wait is finally over for South Africa. Bjorn Fortuin flights this one up, around off. It grips and turns in a touch. Graham Hume goes deep and tries to punch it through the line. He misses though. The ball sneaks through and clips the bails on its way. South Africa win the match by 174 runs.

OUT! TIMBER! Bjorn Fortuin hits the top of off. The wait is finally over for South Africa. Bjorn Fortuin flights this one up, around off. It grips and turns in a touch. Graham Hume goes deep and tries to punch it through the line. He misses though. The ball sneaks through and clips the bails on its way. South Africa win the match by 174 runs.

Young now drives this full ball down to long off for one more.

Hume cuts this short ball to deep point for one.

Slower and fuller, around leg, this is shapes past the leg stump. Young was looking to hit it into the leg side but could not get any bat on it. Craig Young becomes the highest score for Ireland.  That really sums up the game for the Irish side.

Mulder follows the batter with a full one, outside off. Young gets an underedge on it. The ball trickles towards the keeper.

SIX! BANG! Wiaan Mulder angles in a short ball, on the bodyline. Craig Young picks this one up early and dispatches it over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie. The stand moves to 50.

FOUR! Streaky! Rubbing salt on the wounds. It is a good-length ball, outside off. Young swings hard. The ball takes the outside edge, flies over the man at short third. It races away.

FOUR! Up and over. Mulder dishes a length ball, around middle and leg. Young uses his feet and lofts it over mid off for a boundary. He moves to 18 now.