Ireland NAT Thread

[DEVI]

Ireland’s Sturdy Start Falters on a Crumbling Pitch

Ireland’s decision to bat first after winning the toss looked justified early on as L. Sheehan (54 off 67) and N. Roche (51 off 66) anchored the innings confidently. The pair combined steadiness with occasional aggression, especially Roche’s clean hitting — including four maximums that briefly swung momentum Ireland’s way.

However, once Sheehan fell to Makhaya Makalima, the innings began to unravel. The pitch’s crumbling nature aided the South African spinners and seamers alike, and wickets tumbled in clusters. Ireland went from a promising 3/127 to all out for 219 in 47.3 overs.

Makalima was the chief destroyer, finishing with superb figures of 4/44, using sharp bounce and late movement to trouble the middle order. Hotazel Mullet (3/35) was equally effective, mixing pace and flight beautifully, while Ethan McNamara (3/27) provided crucial breakthroughs at the death.

South Africa Steady in the Chase

Chasing 220 on a deteriorating wicket was never going to be straightforward, but South Africa’s top order laid a solid platform. O. Julien (43) and J. van Nierop (29) added 65 for the opening stand, blunting the new ball attack. Even as wickets fell intermittently, L. Rimmington’s composed 60 (70) held the chase together — his innings a model of patience and timing.

Ireland’s bowlers fought back admirably. N. Clifford (2/48) and L. Tate (1/49) exploited the uneven bounce to make things nervy for the Proteas. But once again, it was Makalima who made his mark — this time with the bat, guiding his team home with an unbeaten 15 off 19 alongside McNamara.

South Africa crossed the line in 43.3 overs, finishing at 220/6 to secure a well-deserved 4-wicket victory.

Key Performers

Makhaya Makalima (SA): 4/44 & 15* — match-winning all-round effort.

Hotazel Mullet (SA): 3/35 — middle-order wrecker.

Nevan Roche (IRE): 51 (66) — lone resistance in a faltering Irish innings.

L. Rimmington (SA): 60 (70) — calm anchor under pressure.

Turning Point

Ireland’s collapse from 3/127 to 7/171 changed the game completely. Makalima and Mullet’s tight spell strangled the run flow and exposed the tail too early, giving South Africa a manageable chase despite the tricky surface.

Finally

A disciplined bowling effort and calm batting display under pressure saw South Africa outclass Ireland in sunny conditions at Kamikaze Kangaroos CG. Ireland will rue their mid-innings collapse, while South Africa will take heart from the collective performance led by the ever-reliable Makalima.