South Africa warmed up for their forthcoming series against Australia by beating Ireland by 206 runs in the only One Day International in Benoni on Sunday. Ireland won the toss and opted to field first against a South African side which had AB de Villiers sitting out due to injury.
Openers Quinton de Kock and Temba Bavuma put on a stellar partnership of 159 runs for the first wicket before de Kock was dismissed for 82. But it was Bavuma who impressed, going on to get a brilliant 113 on ODI debut. South Africa were cruising at 267/4 before JP Duminy and Farhaan Behardien hit frenetic half-centuries. Duminy scored an unbeaten 52 while Behardien slammed 50 off 22 balls to take South Africa to 354.
Ireland were dismissed for 148 with Duminy returning figures of 4/16. Aaron Phangiso and Wayne Parnell bagged two wickets each with Kagiso Rabada and Dwaine Pretorius taking a wicket apiece to complete the demolition.
Brief scores:
South Africa 354/5 (Quinton de Kock 82, Temba Bavuma 113; Craig Young 3/81) beat Ireland 148 all out (Kevin O’Brien 41; JP Duminy 4/16) by 206 runs.