Brilliant Balbirnie leads Ireland to first ever win over South Africa

Andy Balbirnie plays a shot

Captain Andy Balbirnie scored a stylish century as Ireland recorded their first ever One-Day International victory over South Africa with a win by 43 runs in the second match of their five-game series in Malahide yesterday.  
 Balbirnie stroked 102 from 117 balls as the home side posted 290 for five in their 50 overs, before restricting the tourists to 247 all out in their reply to secure the historic victory and a 1-0 lead in the series after Sundays opener was washed out.  

 After being sent in to bat, opener Balbirnie received excellent support from Harry Tector (79 from 68 balls), while there was also a flourish from George Dockrell (45 from 23) at the end.  

 South Africa, who again rested key batsman Quinton de Kock, battled to keep up with the run-rate throughout and when opener Janneman Malan (84 from 96) and Rassie van der Dussen (49 from 70) fell in quick succession with the score on 160, their chances of victory slipped away.  

 The third match in the series will be played at the same venue on Friday.  

REUTERS

Chief Scores
Ireland: 290/5 in 50 overs (A.Balbirnie 102, H.Tector 79, G.Dockrell 45, A.  Phehlukwayo 2/73, T.Shamsi 1/42, K.Maharaj 1/50, K.Rabada 1/58)
South Africa: 247 in 48.3 overs (J. Malan 84, R.van der Dussen 49, M.Adair 2/43, A.McBrine 2/34, J.Little 2/45, C.Young 1/34, G.Dockrell 1/37, S.Singh 1/44)