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South Africa vs Ireland, 1st ODI: Temba Bavuma cracks hundred on debut

The one-off ODI between these two teams will also be the first match to feature the new DRS protocols, which is likely to lead to more lbw decisions being given.

Temba Bavuma may also become the highest run-scorer for South Africa in ODI debut if he gets past Colin Ingram's 148 © AFP (File Photo)
Temba Bavuma may also become the highest run-scorer for South Africa on his ODI debut if he gets past Colin Ingram’s 124 © AFP (File Photo)

South Africa‘s opener, Temba Bavuma reached to his maiden One-Day International (ODI) century in the one-off ODI against Ireland. Winning the toss, Ireland opted to bowl and their bowlers did not respond well as South African openers went off to a flying start. South Africa’s wicketkeeper-batsman, de Kock, took on the Irish bowlers as he constructed a well made and attacking 82 off 66 balls. Bavuma was happy to play the anchor role as he waited but smashed the bad balls for boundaries. He struck 13 boundaries along with one six to reach to the landmark. At the time of publishing reports, South Africa were 219 for 1 in 35 overs.

In the absence of Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers, Bavuma opened the batting with de Kock. This is Bavuma’s first outing in coloured clothing. David Miller, on the other hand, has returned after missing the Tri-Nation series in the Caribbean. The absence of Imran Tahir means Aaron Phangiso, the only specialist spinner in the squad, will take the role of the tweaker in the playing XI. Kagiso Rabada and Wayne Parnell are expected to lead the pace attack while Chris Morris, who is said to be injured, has missed out from the ongoing series as well as from the five-ODI series against Australia. ALSO READ: SA cannot take IRE lightly: Adrian Birrell

The one-off ODI between these two teams will also be the first match to feature the new DRS protocols, which is likely to lead to more lbw decisions being given. This is another reason why the world cricket will be following this game closely. Bavuma also has chances of getting past the highest score by a South African (Colin Ingram 124) and can become the highest run-scorer from his side in limited-overs. Desmond Haynes has the highest score in ODI score in first ODI (148 runs). ALSO READ: Ed Joyce ruled out of IRE tour of SA citing knee injury

Ireland will next play another one-off against Australia before summing up their tour. Ireland have their task cut out as South Africa look set for a big total on board.

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