Ireland vs South Africa Second ODI: Best Bets & Prediction

Ireland and South Africa square off in the second ODI on Friday with the Irish looking to bounce back after their 139-run loss in the first ODI. They’ll need to draw inspiration from their T20I series comeback, where they lost the opener but won the second match. We’ve prepared the best bets for this encounter.

Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium.

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South Africa’s dominant win on Wednesday was no surprise, given their recent World Cup semifinal appearance, while Ireland, who didn’t qualify, are now on a 12-game losing streak in ODIs against full members (excluding Zimbabwe). 

Despite Ireland’s combined experience, their batters struggled, and debutant Gavin Hoey had a tough introduction (0-65). Mark Adair (4-50) and Craig Young (3-45) did manage to put South Africa under pressure late in their innings. Ireland’s struggles in Asian venues continued, with none of their batters passing 21 in the match. South Africa, meanwhile, awaits news on Tony de Zorzi’s knee injury, with captain Bavuma likely to step in as an opener if needed.

Ireland might need some wear on the pitch to make an impact, and it may only be worth backing them for the third game when South Africa, potentially leading 2-0, might lose focus. Back the Proteas to win at 1.22.

Players to Watch: After an underwhelming T20 World Cup, Ireland opening bowler Mark Adair has found some stellar form with four-wicket hauls in each of his last two white-ball internationals. It was the fifth time from ten ODIs/T20Is against South Africa that he collected multiple wickets. South Africa’s Rassie van der Dussen, who has been dismissed for single-digit scores in four of his last five ODIs, will be hoping to do the same.

Prediction: South Africa to win at 1.22.

Key Stats

Ireland’s last five opening partnerships in ODIs were worth 12 or fewer runs, whilst in return they conceded 25+ runs for their first wicket in ten of their last 12 ODIs.

Five of South Africa’s last six ODI opening stands recorded 30+ runs.

Paul Stirling struck three centuries from five ODI innings in Abu Dhabi in 2021. 

Lungi Ngidi took 1-2 wickets in each of his last six ODIs. 

Curtis Campher has taken just three wickets from 25 ODI overs in Abu Dhabi at an average of 40.33.

Bjorn Fortuin has never taken more than two wickets in an ODI despite bowling in eight innings.

Andy Balbirnie was dismissed for 20 or fewer runs in five of his six ODIs in Abu Dhabi.

Best Bets

Best Bet: Fall of 1st wicket to be under 25.5 at 1.86

Value Bet: Tristan Stubbs to be South Africa’s top batter at 5.50.

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