Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Ireland Men suffered a 139-run loss to South Africa on an historic night for captain Paul Stirling, and Irish sport as a whole, at the Zayed Cricket Stadium.
Before play, Stirling was handed his 400th cap for his country across all formats on the same ground where he made his debut back in 2008.
In reaching 400 international appearances, Stirling becomes the first cricketer for Ireland to do so and the most-capped male Irish athlete in any team sport.
Stirling’s father was in attendance to witness his son make history, while, at the other end of the spectrum, 22-year-old Leinster Lightning leg-spinner Gavin Hoey made his international debut for Ireland.
Despite a fighting performance with the ball, Ireland were unable to mark the occasion with victory as their batters came up short in the run chase.
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma called right and opted to bat first at the toss, but his side were met with an Ireland attack with the bit between their teeth.
As has so often been the case in recent years, Mark Adair set the tone with the ball, removing opener Tony de Zorzi (12) in the seventh over.
It was the first of three wickets in as many overs as Craig Young bowled Bavuma (4) before Adair’s second wicket left the Proteas 39-3.
Ryan Rickelton (91) and Tristan Stubbs (79) punched back with a 152-run partnership, but Ireland kept fighting and dismissed the two set batters in the space of two overs.
Andy McBrine broke the partnership by bowling Rickelton and Adair collected his third of the match six balls later with the wicket of Stubbs.
Adair ended up with figures of 4-50 from his 10 overs, with Young (3-45) producing the next best return with the ball.
Unfortunately for Ireland and their captain, Stirling was unable to celebrate his milestone with a telling contribution at the crease and was bowled by Lungi Ngidi in the first over.
Andrew Balbirnie and Curtis Campher looked to settle the ship but were both accounted for by Lizaad Williams for 20.
When Adair was caught by Rickelton off the bowling of Ngidi at the start of the 21st over, Ireland had slid to 86-6.
Ultimately, the task was too great as South Africa closed in on victory. The second of three matches in the ODI series takes place at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Friday.
MATCH SUMMARY
Ireland Men v South Africa Men, 1st ODI, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – 2 October 2024
South Africa 271-9 (50 overs; R Rickelton 91, T Stubbs 79; M Adair 4-50, C Young 3-45)
Ireland 132 (31.5 overs; G Dockrell 21; L Williams 4-32, B Fortuin 2-28, L Ngidi 2-35)
South Africa won by 139 runs
