16 Jul MALAN AND DE KOCK CENTURIES SET UP SERIES-LEVELLING VICTORY FOR THE PROTEAS
DUBLIN: Janneman Malan and Quinton de Kock smashed a century apiece to set up a 70-run victory for the Proteas over Ireland in the third and final One-Day International (ODI) at Malahide Cricket Club on Friday. The win means that the series is drawn one-all, following the washout of the first fixture earlier this week.
Malan’s career-best 177 not out was the fourth-highest individual ODI score by a South African. His impressive knock included 16 fours and six sixes. De Kock smashed 11 boundaries and five maximums for his 91-ball 120.
Their opening stand of 225 runs ensured that Rassie van der Dussen was given the perfect platform to accelerate the run rate as he came to the crease following De Kock’s demise to Simi Singh (1/52) at the start of the 37th over. Van der Dussen contributed 30 runs off 28 balls before his dismissal at the hands of Craig Young (1/61), helping to keep the scoreboard ticking and guiding South Africa to a daunting 346/4 at the end of their 50 overs.
Andile Phehlukwayo made a short appearance, departing for six (5 balls), but what he lacked with the bat, he made up for with the ball (3/56). He and Tabraiz Shamsi (3/46) were the pick of the South African bowlers, taking three wickets each as they mowed through the opposition in their reply.
Keshav Maharaj, who opened the bowling, was his reliable self, claiming two for 51 while Lizaad Williams (1/62) picked up a maiden ODI wicket off his first delivery of the day. Anrich Nortje (1/37) also chipped in with the final wicket of Young, who was caught by Bavuma for eight after the visitors struggled to round off the tail following a good bowling start up front.
Resistance with the bat came from Singh and former South Africa under-19 player, Curtis Campher. The former recorded his maiden ODI century, striking at 109,89 (91 balls) and the latter struck 54 at a run a ball, but it was not enough. Ireland were bowled out for 276 in 47.1 overs, Singh unbeaten for 100 on the dot.
The three-match, T20 series begins on Monday at the same venue.
ENDS