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With two wins from the first two matches of the tournament, Ireland went into the clash with South Africa full of confidence, but everyone knew this would be one of the toughest matches of the tournament.
After winning the toss in the first two matches William Porterfield ran out of luck and was told to field first against South Africa, who, despite losing to India, were showing some incredible form, especially with the bat.

The support for Ireland was incredible once again, and despite the early start, there were plenty of people with the alarm set ready for the game.

Mentally preparing myself for the 3am alarm call. As always #BackingGreen. #IREvSA #CWC15

— Andrew White (@Whitey631) March 2, 2015

It was a field of two halves for Ireland early on, with John Mooney picking up a wicket and not conceding in his first couple of overs, and Max Sorensen struggling at the other end going for more than 20.

A rare dropped catch gave Hashim Amla a lifeline, and he grabbed it with both hands, forging a 247 run partnership with Faff du Plessis as both men passed 100, Amla reaching 159.

Rilee Roussow and David Miller finished off the innings with the freedom you would expect with wickets in hand, both scoring with a strike rate of 200. That saw South Africa pass 400 for the second time in the tournament.

There was no dampening of the spirits in the crowd though, and Larry the Leprechaun pointed out during the interval there are always positives.

Well that first innings went well. @OfficialCSA are 89 under par. Everyone was telling me they would get 500! #IREvSA #BackingGreen

— Larry Leprechaun (@LarryLeprechau) March 3, 2015

Unfortunately the run chase did not go terribly well as the first five wickets fell early to a bowling attack that included Dale Steyn, Kyle Abbott and Morne Morkel. Suddenly the score was 48-5 and hopes of an unlikely victory had all but faded.

In stepped Andrew Balbirnie who took it upon himself to give Irish fans something to cheer about. He steadied the ship and managed to reach his half century as Irish viewers were starting work…not that many were actually working!

Hard luck today @Irelandcricket Tuned in just in time 2 c Balbirnie get 50..Bring on Zimbabwe! #BackingGreen pic.twitter.com/EKYse46nLH

— St.Gabriels Primary (@St_Gabriels_NS) March 3, 2015

Ireland were eventually bowled out for 210, still 201 runs behind South Africa, but a million miles from where they could have been after the start South Africa’s bowlers made!

Despite the heavy loss fans were still showing their support on social media, and everyone was ready for the next match, a huge encounter with Zimbabwe that could define the whole campaign.

Hard luck @Irelandcricket A big score set by #southafrica but a fine chase. Zimbabwe next!! #BackingGreen

— Cllr Daniel Butler (@DanielButlerFG) March 3, 2015

You can see the Final Scorecard of the match and check out the highlight and reaction to the game in the audio and video below.

You can also check out our photo gallery of the match.

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