Ireland vs South Africa – 3rd One-Day International Match Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Ireland vs South Africa taking place? Friday, July 16th, 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? 18-21c, dry with sunshine and a gentle 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
Ireland beat South Africa by 43 runs
THE TEAM NEWS
IRELAND
- Ireland put in an excellent performance to shock South Africa and take victory in the second ODI between the two sides after the first match was curtailed by the weather, giving themselves the chance to seal a historic series victory in this game.
- A magnificent century from captain Andrew Balbirnie at the top of the order saw Ireland finish on 290/5, before an outstanding all-round showing with the ball saw South Africa bowled out for 247, with all six Irish bowlers utilised picking up at least one wicket.
- After such a win, it would be a surprise if Ireland changed their side for the final ODI of the series, therefore opening batter William Porterfield is likely to miss out for the second match in a row.
SOUTH AFRICA
- South Africa face the prospect of what would be considered a highly embarrassing series defeat unless they can restore some pride with victory in this third ODI, although they will have to be much better across the board after being outplayed with both bat and ball by Ireland last time out.
- Resting star wicketkeeper batter Quinton de Kock for the second straight match has clearly cost the Proteas and with the series in danger of being lost, it is highly expected that the in-form 28-year-old will make his first appearance of the tour here.
- Whilst fast bowler Anrich Nortje came into the team for the second ODI, this led to Lungi Ngidi being rested, another questionable decision and captain Temba Bavuma may well be considering dropping one his two starting spin-bowlers in Tabraiz Shamsi or Keshav Maharaj in order to fit both Nortje and Ngidi in the same team.
THE PREDICTION
What an incredible opportunity this is for Ireland to make a huge statement in the international cricketing world by winning a series against a Proteas outfit containing a number of global stars. South Africa will need to bat much better in this third ODI and the restoration of De Kock to the team will no doubt help when taking into account his incredible recent form. The South African bowling unit is also likely to improve significantly here off the back of a lacklustre performance and it will need another special knock from an Irish batter to help the hosts to another winnable total in their innings. When taking into account the quality of the tourists on paper, South Africa must be favoured to pull themselves together and secure a victory that would see the series finish level.
