South Africa vs Ireland, 2nd ODI at Abu Dhabi, IRE vs SA, Oct 04 2024 - Ball by Ball Commentary

Righto, that's that. Abhimanyu's report should be in soon, so do hang around for that. But that's it from us as far as the match goes. The series is not done though. We will be nice and early for the third ODI on Monday. Till then, ciao!

Temba Bavuma, the South Africa captain: [Injury] Little bit sore. I think I aggravated an old injury on my elbow. We will get to know in the next few days. Right now, I am at the mercy of the doctors. [Batting performance] It was very mature and clinical as well. We spoke about taking care of the first 10 overs with the ball swinging a bit. The middle-order guys Stubbsy and Kyle Verreynne formed a good partnership. The guys finished off nicely at the back end. Big improvement from our first game. Those are the performances we need to see. On the batting and bowling front, the guys have put up their hand, they are there to do the job. We were trying to widen the player depth. The performance and opportunity have given us the chance to do that.

Paul Stirling, the Ireland captain: Tough day at the office. McBrine bowled well, that was the only positive. We struggled to pick wickets in that middle overs. [Chase] Our process has not changed much. It did nip around a bit. We certainly needed to get past 10 and 20 and get the big scores; that did not happen. It is tough playing two games in three days, but we are professionals. We have a few days' rest, and we want to make sure our energy levels are up for the travel and support.

Tristan Stubbs is the player of the match: I thought the first game, myself and Ricks got out back to back. Today I didn't want that to happen. That was the big focus today. I thought they bowled quite well. They made us hit to the big side. We were rotating nicely and that helped us get the runs.

Lizaad Williams: It does feel a bit down hill. The energy and intensity is towards the batsman. I am happy to contribute to the team. My emotions did get a bit high and after the third, I was thinking about my five. [Celebration] Lebron James is my idol, and this is his celebration. It is called the silencer.

Presentation in a bit

10.26pm Another clinical South African performance and that has given them an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. The last-wicket stand did frustrate South Africa, but it was one-way traffic all the way through once Stubbs helped his side post a mammoth score. Lizaad Williams picked three wicket, Lungi Ngidi picked two as Ireland slipped to 65 for 6 in the the 13th over. The lower order showed some fight particularly Graham Hume and Craig Young who added a 52-run stand. But the South Africa bowlers were relentless and eventually bowled Ireland out for 169 in 30.3 overs.

These two need six runs to register Ireland's highest 10th-wicket stand.

Vishal S.: "This is a masterclass of playing shots all around the wicket. Gillespie and McGrath will be proud."

Harry: "Let the both of them stay. Score a half-century each. Batting opportunities like these, don't come often" I'll tell you what, they are enjoying themselves out there, these two!

Mulder into the attack

Change of angle for Fortuin

Sugumar Narayan: "Bring back Lizaaaard!!!" I'll excuse the 'r'. Fortuin goes over the wicket now to Hume

Fortuin to continue

The players will get refreshments. South Africa will hope they don't need to stay refreshed on the field for long, but Hume and Young will want to continue this partnership of defiance. 27 off 28 balls for the last wicket is not bad. Not bad at all

Time for drinks