Centuries by Hashim Amla and Faf du Plessis propelled South Africa to 411/4 against Ireland at Canberra
Twin centuries by Amla and du Plessis propelled South Africa to 411/4 against Ireland
South Africa continued to regain momentum in ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 as twin centuries by Hashim Amla and Faf du Plessis propelled the Proteas to post the highest score of this tournament so far, 411 for five in their allotted 50 overs in the Pool B game against Ireland at Canberra. At one point of time 450 was looking very much on the cards, but somehow the Irish bowlers avoided that. This is South Africa’s second 400-plus score in succession during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015. Live Updates: South Africa vs Ireland
It was a cloudy afternoon at Canberra. The pitch looked quite dry and Ireland included three spinners in their ranks. With this attack, William Porterfield was desperately looking to bat first. But AB de Villiers won the toss and did not hesitate to ask Ireland to bat second. The Proteas retained the same side that trounced the West Indies by 257 runs in Sydney last Friday, with fast bowler Dale Steyn, who is playing his 100th One-Day International (ODI). Ireland dropped Alex Cusack to accommodate to off-spinner Andy McBrine into their playing eleven. Live Scorecard: South Africa vs Ireland
In the initial overs Ireland medium pacers bowled really well. They got an early break through, that of Quinton de Kock, whose poor run with bat in this World Cup continued. Irish bowlers used the slowness of the pitch and bowled wicket to wicket. Both Amla and du Plessis took their time initially and gave respect to the bowlers. Yet, after the first 10 overs, they had scored 57 runs. ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: SCHEDULE & MATCH DETAILS
But after getting familiar with the wicket, both batsmen started to play their shots. Though Amla was lucky to be at the crease as he was dropped by Ed Joyce at the shot mid-wicket. The South African run machine, Amla used that chance with full effect as he finally ended up with his highest ODI score (159). He also became the the joint second highest century maker for South Africa in this format along with AB de Villiers. No. 3 batsman, Du Plessis also got his fourth ton of his career during the course of this innings. For the second wicket Amla and du Plessis shared a 207-run partnership which set the platform for South African middle order to launch the attack in the last 10 overs.
After the fall of du Plessis in the 39th over, de Villiers came to wicket and started punishing the bowlers in his own way. But for a change, the South African skipper failed today after scoring a nine-ball 24. Finally David Miller and Rilee Rossouw gave them the finishing touch with an unbeaten 110-run partnership off 51 balls. For Ireland, McBrine was the most successful bowler with figures of two for 63 in 10 overs.
Ireland are a good chasing side, but the score looks too much for them. Still if they can bat sensibly and get close to the target, keeping the net run-rate factor in mind, it will do no harm to their chances of qualifying for the quarter-finals.
Brief scores:
South Africa 411 for 4 in 50 overs (Hashim Amla 159, Faf du Plessis 107 ; Andy McBrine 2 for 63) vs Ireland.
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(Sandipan Banerjee is a reporter at CricketCountry. Cricket has been the biggest passion for him since his childhood. So, when it came to choosing his career, he chose to turn his passion into his profession. Apart from cricket he likes mountain trekking, river rafting, and photography. His twitter handle is @im_sandipan)