Oct 08, V7N- Ireland captain Paul Stirling led his team to a decisive 69-run victory over South Africa in the final ODI of their series in Abu Dhabi, scoring a brilliant 88. Chasing 285, South Africa collapsed to 126-6, despite a strong 91 from Jason Smith. This marked Ireland's second-ever ODI win against South Africa.

Stirling set the foundation for Ireland's 284-9 after choosing to bat, sharing a 101-run partnership with Andy Balbirnie (45). Curtis Campher's quick 34 and Harry Tector's 48-ball 60 helped push Ireland to a competitive total. Lizaad Williams was the standout bowler for South Africa with 4-56.

In response, South Africa's top order faltered early, slipping to 10-3 with Mark Adair and Graham Hume (3-29) doing the damage. Kyle Verreynne (38) and Tristan Stubbs (20) provided some resistance, but after their dismissals, only Smith stood firm. His 91 kept South Africa in the game, but once he was caught off Hume, Ireland took control and sealed the win.

South Africa won the ODI series 2-1, and the two sides had earlier drawn the T20 series 1-1.

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