Ireland v South Africa: Proteas beat Irish to secure ODI series victory

Tristan Stubbs hit an unbeaten maiden one-day international century as South Africa defeated Ireland by 174 runs Dhabi to seal a series win in Abu Dhabi.

The Proteas won Wednesday’s opener by 134 runs and now lead 2-0 going into the final game on Monday.

South Africa won the toss and opted to bat first, with openers Ryan Rickleton and captain Temba Bavuma providing a solid platform.

Bavuma (35) retired hurt with an elbow injury with the score on 68-0 before Rickleton was dismissed on 40 to leave his side on 78-1.

Stand-in skipper Rassie van der Dussen added 35 before Kyle Verreynne and Stubbs put on 103 for the third wicket.

Stubbs followed up his 79 on Wednesday with another excellent knock and put together a 92-run partnership with Wiaan Mulder (43) as South Africa posted a total of 343-4.

Ireland need a strong start in response but were 7-2 after the early dismissals of Andrew Balbirnie and captain Paul Stirling.

Curtis Campher (17) and Harry Tector (20) guided Ireland to 44-2 before Lizaad Williams took two wickets in two balls to put South Africa firmly on top.

Mark Adair (21) and Gavin Hoey (23) provided some resistance before a plucky last-wicket stand of 52 between Graham Hume (21) and Craig Young (29 not out).

Ireland were dismissed for 167 with Williams taking 3-36 while Bjorn Fortuin and Lungi Ngidi each picked up two wickets.