South Africa eye whitewash vs Ireland in 3rd ODI as Proteas dominate series. Can Ireland avoid a clean sweep in Abu Dhabi ?

 The last ODI of the white-ball series pitting Ireland against South Africa in the UAE will take place at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi on Monday evening. South Africa has already taken an unassailable lead of 2-0 in the three-match series, winning both the preceding fixtures quite comfortably, whereas, Ireland will be fighting their hardest to ensure they do not suffer a whitewash.

The Proteas were able to bounce back after suffering an ODI series defeat to Afghanistan earlier by stamping dominance over Ireland and winning the first two matches with ease by 139 runs and 174 runs respectively. South Africa will want to end the series positively, while Ireland wish to win back some momentum after these crushing defeats before the year comes to an end.

The ODI series has especially been dull, with South Africa displaying their batting prowess as well as bowling efforts. Although Ireland has only managed to tie the first T20I series 1-1, they have not been able to display the same level of competitiveness during the ODIs.

Kicking off the series, South Africa scored 323/7, courtesy of batsmen Reeza Hendricks and Tristan Stubbs. Ireland were unable to form any partnerships and therefore were all out for 184 runs. The second ODI was even more lopsided, as South Africa scored a total of 362/6 after Rassie van der Dussen scored a superb hundred. Ireland was all out for a meager 188, thereby suffering a heavy defeat against the Proteas.

Ireland's Struggles: Can They Bounce Back?

To put it mildly, Ireland's showing in the ODI series has been subpar. The batting order is in tatters as it has folded under pressure and has had no answer to South Africa's pace bowling. Paul Stirling and Harry Tector, with their below par performances on the other hand, have not been able to help the situation and so has the middle order, which has been unable to step up and help post a defendable score.

Having won only one ODI out of the last ten against South Africa, Ireland will need to produce something extraordinary if they are to change the outcome of the third match. Better lengths will also be required of the likes of Mark Adair and Graham Hume as they bowl in order to use the conditions effectively and put South Africa under pressure at the start of the innings.

South Africa: Eyeing a Whitewash

Rassie van der Dussen's South Africa has been superb in this ODI series. Their top-order has always clicked, right from the explosive beginnings created by Ryan Rickelton and Reeza Hendricks. The Proteas’ middle-order has been good too, and lower-order all-rounders such as Wiaan Mulder and Andile Phehlukwayo have increased the batting strength further.

Even with the bowling department, South Africa has used the conditions in Abu Dhabi to their advantage. Lungi Ngidi and Lizaad Williams have been banging in at pace ever since they arrived while the spinners have managed to keep the Irish batsmen busy. Now entering the last match of the series, they will be looking for a clean sweep as well to boost their morale in readiness for the next set of international matches.

Match Preview: Conditions and Key Factors

Abu Dhabi's weather is predicted to be bright and sunny with temperatures oscillating between 32° and 35° Celsius and relative humidity at 55%. The dry weather conditions should support the spinners during the course of the match, however, the seamers will have the upper hand in the opening stages as they will be able to utilize the conditions and the twilight period.

The pitch has been good for batting as evident in the high scores managed by South Africa in the first two ODI games. However, there are some challenges presented especially with discipline in length bowlers, particularly hard-length deliveries. Ireland will have to be mindful of these conditions if they are to have any hope of causing an upset.

Predicted Playing XIs

Ireland:

• Paul Stirling (c)
• Andrew Balbirnie
• Curtis Campher
• Stephen Doheny (wk)
• Harry Tector
• George Dockrell
• Mark Adair
• Andy McBrine
• Craig Young
• Graham Hume
• Gavin Hoey

South Africa:

• Ryan Rickelton (wk)
• Reeza Hendricks
• Tristan Stubbs
• Rassie van der Dussen (c)
• Kyle Verreynne
• Wiaan Mulder
• Andile Phehlukwayo
• Nqaba Peter
• Lizaad Williams
• Lungi Ngidi
• Ottneil Baartman

IRE vs SA: Head-to-Head

South Africa has dominated the head-to-head record against Ireland, winning eight out of ten ODIs between the two sides. Ireland has secured only one win, and one match ended with no result.

With the final ODI fast approaching, South Africa will aim at maintaining their superiority and closing the series on a high note. For Ireland, on the other hand, this is a win at all costs situation not only to avoid white washing but also to retrieve some lost pride. It’s now time for their more experienced cricketers especially Paul Stirling and Andrew Balbirnie to step up in this crucial match.

This ODI series has demonstrated the vast divide between the two sides irrespective of the result, but then again, cricket tends to throw a curveball and that’s what Ireland will be banking on come Monday.