South Africa have reached an imposing 189 after a fluent display with the bat saw them score the highest total of the series against Ireland.

Having chosen to bat first, the Proteas rang in multiple changes to the XI. Quinton de Kock wasn’t playing, so Reeza Hendricks opened alongside captain Temba Bavuma.

It was a rather cautious start, with only three hits to the boundary during the Powerplay. However, both the openers showed their intent starting from the 12th over.

After they reached their half-centuries, Hendricks began to find the boundary more frequently, until he nicked one to the keeper. Bavuma continued to accelerate, but he was also dismissed at the death in the quest for a swift finish.

Fortunately, David Miller found his groove fairly early, hitting three boundaries in his first 7 deliveries. He raced to an 18-ball 36, propping up the Proteas after a rather sedate start.

Bavuma made his first half-century in this format for SA, and it was a pleasing sign since he hadn’t been among the runs for the past few games. It definitely was a captain’s innings, setting up a swift finish at the death.

This was the Proteas’ Highest score in 9 innings and the highest total since the 203/5 in the match against Pakistan at Centurion on 14 April 2021.

SA are now in the driver’s seat, and they’ll look to seal this series with some emphasis. Bowling has been the go-to bailout for the visitors, but this is a far better position at halftime. Stay tuned for Ireland’s chase shortly.

SA 189/2 (Bavuma 72, R Hendricks 69, Miller 36* – Singh 4-0-27-1)