The rain spoilt Ireland’s innings as they posted 195/4 in 40.2 overs of the first ODI.

It’s the first ODI at Malahide, and the Proteas opted to bowl first. Quinton de Kock was rested for this game, and Andile Phehlukwayo’s return to the white-ball side was confirmed.

The Ireland openers took their time at the crease, with a patient and circumspect approach in their partnership building. They dealt well with the initial pressure built up by the South African bowling trio, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi and Andile Phehlukwayo.

With 41 on the board, Paul Stirling looked to up the ante on the last ball of the 13th, but a shorter delivery from Andile Phehlukwayo crept up on him, and he skied the ball to extra cover.

William Porterfield and Andy Balbirnie steadied the ship to give Ireland a solid platform, Porterfield scoring a hard-fought half-century. His knock came to the end courtesy of Tabraiz Shamsi. The batsmen attempted a reverse sweep but a review showed a spike as the ball passed the glove. His contribution, 63 off 87 balls, which included 9 fours., took Ireland to 128/2.

The skipper Balbirnie also brought up his 50, his second against South Africa taking his team closer to the 150-run mark, before rain stopped play after 35 overs. The rain break was long enough to reduce the contest to a 43-over game.

When play resumed, it was time for the hosts to immediately step on the gas. Balbirnie’s solid knock came to an end when he tamely chipped it to midwicket off Rabada. Harry Tector hit a four and a six in the same over before edging one to the keeper.

Despite the loss of two quick wickets, Mark Adair brought about the much-needed late impetus for Ireland, smashing two maximums, one-off Rabada and the other off Ngidi. There was another rain interruption in the 41st over.

There was another rain interruption in the 41st over, which brought Ireland’s innings to an end.

Ireland 195/4 in 40.2 overs (Balbirnie 65, Porterfield 63 – Rabada 2/43, Shamsi 1/35)

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