In the third ODI between South Africa and Ireland in Abu Dhabi, South African coach and former cricketer JP Duminy was unexpectedly called upon to field for his team. With several Proteas players temporarily leaving the field due to the extreme heat, South Africa found themselves short on personnel.
Notably, captain Temba Bavuma was unavailable due to a soft tissue injury, while all-rounder Wiaan Mulder was also ruled out. Duminy, now 40 years old, stepped in and impressed fans and commentators alike with a brilliant diving save, demonstrating that even in retirement, he still had the skills and commitment to help his team. The moment quickly went viral on social media.
Ireland’s Strong Start, but Late Collapse
Ireland put up a solid performance with the bat in the first innings, posting a total of 284 runs. Openers Andrew Balbirnie and Paul Stirling provided an excellent foundation, scoring 45 and 88 runs, respectively.
Their efforts set up the middle order for a promising innings, with Curtis Campher contributing 34 runs and Harry Tector adding 60. However, after Lorcan Tucker’s 26 runs at number five, Ireland’s batting lineup crumbled.
They lost wickets in quick succession, with six players failing to reach double digits. At one point, Ireland looked poised to cross the 300-run mark, but South Africa’s bowlers, led by Lizaad Williams, who took four wickets, pulled the game back. Andile Phehlukwayo and Ottneil Baartman also contributed with two wickets each, ensuring Ireland’s total remained manageable.
South Africa’s Stumbling Chase
South Africa’s chase got off to a rocky start, with the top order collapsing early. Ryan Rickelton, Reeza Hendricks, and Rassie van der Dussen were dismissed within the first five overs, leaving the Proteas in a difficult position.
Ireland’s early breakthroughs gave them hope of defending their total and winning the match. With South Africa on the back foot, the game remained open, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion as Ireland sought to level the series with a victory. Despite their late batting collapse, Ireland’s bowling attack appeared well-placed to challenge South Africa’s middle and lower order in the remainder of the match.
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