Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs hit half-centuries as South Africa trounced Ireland by 139 runs in the first of three one-day internationals on Wednesday. Victory allowed the Proteas to avenge a shock T20 loss to the same opponents last weekend and also followed an ODI series defeat against Afghanistan last month.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Rickelton, opening the batting in just his third appearance in the format, hit 91 off 102 balls with seven fours and three sixes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
It was the 28-year-old's highest score in all international cricket but his hopes of a maiden century were dashed when he dragged a ball from Andy McBrine onto his stumps in the 35th over.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Middle-order batsman Stubbs, playing in only his fifth ODI, was equally unforgiving on Ireland's bowlers, making 79 off 86 balls with two fours and four sixes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Both men helped rescue South Africa from a perilous 39-3, putting on 152 for the fourth wicket as the Proteas made 271-9 off their 50 overs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"When Tristan came in we were in a spot of bother," admitted Rickelton. "But we score quite quickly so we knew we could catch up."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Leg-spinner Gavin Hoey endured a nightmare debut with figures of 0-65 from his 10 overs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Mark Adair, who took four wickets in Ireland's 10-run T20 win on Sunday, claimed another four-wicket haul on Wednesday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
In reply, Ireland struggled to make headway against fast bowlers Lizaad Williams and Lungi Ngidi with their first five wickets falling for just 61 runs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Only three Irish batsmen got past 20 with Williams, playing in just his fifth ODI, finishing with a career-best 4-32 off his 10 overs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Ireland were eventually bowled out for 132 in the 32nd over with veteran all-rounder George Dockrell top-scoring with a modest 21.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"It was a tough defeat tonight," said Ireland skipper Paul Stirling.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"I think it did a couple of things which I didn't expect. It did nip around. When you have a side three down, we need to take our chances."<\/p>\r\n\r\n