Proteas too good for Ireland

Another quality innings from Jacques Kallis has guided South Africa to a seven wicket win over a gallant Ireland, in their Super 8 clash in Guyana today.

Ireland was dealt some cruel blows; first South Africa won the toss and elected to field on a seamers wicket. Secondly the rain played havoc with the Irish tactics and they were faced with trying to set a competitive target from a reduced 35 overs.

Unfortunately despite some fine fighting innings from the Irish batsman, no player was able to go on and produce the big score needed. With seven of the Irish batsman recording double figures the highest score was only 30 by Andrew White.

Still 152-8 against a quality attack on a seamers wicket was a commendable effort from this brave Irish outfit. Shaun Pollock’s 2-17 from seven overs and Makhaya Ntini’s 0-14 also from seven overs, made life extremely difficult for the early batsmen.

The latter bowlers proved much easier to score from, but were able to consistently take wickets with Charl Langeveldt claiming 3-41 from his seven overs.

South Africa required 160 from their 35 overs under the D/L system. Boyd Rankin gave Ireland the perfect start by removing AB de Villiers in his first over for a third ball duck.

A seventy run partnership between Graeme Smith and Kallis righted the South African ship, but a great caught and bowled by David Langford-Smith removed Smith for 41.

This was followed by Herschelle Gibbs being dismissed by the impressive Rankin, which left the Proteas 85-3 and Ireland in with a realistic chance of a shock win.

It was not to be however, Kallis with the help of Ashwell Prince guided the world number one side home with 21 balls to spare.

Ireland lost no friends today, they gave 100% and never stopped trying until the game was over, and received deserved praise from the South African captain at the completion of the match.

Ireland 152-8 (35 overs)
Andrew White 30, Eoin Morgan 28
Charl Langeveldt 3-41, Shaun Pollock 2-17

South Africa 165-3 (31.3 overs)
Jacque Kallis 66*, Ashwell Prince 47*
Boyd Rankin 26-2

South Africa won by 7 wickets

Cricket Web Man of The Match: Jacques Kallis 0-21 (3) & 66* (86)