Centuries by Malan and de Kock, South Africa drew the series

Jaaneman Malan (177 not out) and Chinton de Kock (120) scored a brilliant century and a 225-run opening partnership between them helped South Africa beat Ireland by 70 runs to draw the three-match series 1-1.

The first match of the ODI series was canceled due to rain while Ireland surprised South Africa by winning the second ODI by 43 runs but South Africa showed their complete control in the third match and leveled the series. Both the teams will now play the three-match T20 series from July 19.

South Africa made a mammoth score of 346 for four in 50 overs while Ireland’s team could only manage 276 runs in 47.1 overs. Malan and de Kock added 225 runs in the opening partnership. De Kock hit 11 fours and five sixes in 120 off 91 balls while Malan returned to the pavilion after scoring 177 not out off 169 balls with 16 fours and six sixes.

Chasing a big target, Ireland struggled to avoid a major defeat after losing three wickets for 27 runs and six wickets for 92 runs. Curtis Kamffer scored 54 runs in 54 balls and Simi Singh scored an unbeaten 100 off 91 balls with the help of 14 fours to save their team from a big defeat. Simi Singh added 47 runs for the last wicket with Craig Young and also completed his century. Young’s contribution in this partnership was only eight runs. Enrique Nortje ended Ireland’s innings by dismissing Young, while Simi returned to the pavilion unbeaten after completing a century. Malan became Player of the Series.