In the 2nd ODI between South Africa and Ireland in Abu Dhabi on Friday (October 4), Tristan Stubbs smashed his maiden century, propelling South Africa to an imposing total of 343/4 in their 50 overs. Opting to bat first, South Africa began on a solid note before Stubbs aggressively took the Irish bowlers to the cleaners. Despite Ireland’s efforts to control the run flow, his knock was the highlight of South Africa’s innings, which saw significant contributions from other batters.

Tristan Stubbs’ arrival at the crease

Stubbs came to the crease with South Africa at 136/2 in the 24th over after Rassie van der Dussen’s dismissal. With a strong platform already laid, Stubbs wasted no time in settling down and began his innings by rotating the strike efficiently. As he built his partnership with Kyle Verreynne, Stubbs gradually shifted gears, hitting powerful boundaries and launching towering sixes that disrupted Ireland’s bowling plans. His intent was clear from the outset: to dominate the middle overs and accelerate as South Africa moved towards the death overs.

A maiden century of sheer brilliance

Stubbs reached his century in just 75 balls, a testament to his clean striking and smart shot selection. His innings was laced with 8 boundaries and 3 sixes, showcasing his ability to blend finesse with brute power. His aggressive play in the final 10 overs significantly boosted South Africa’s total, as they amassed 97 runs during this period. Stubbs’ innings was a perfect example of how to pace an ODI knock, starting cautiously before launching into full throttle in the latter half. He remained unbeaten on 112 from 81 deliveries, anchoring the innings through the middle overs and finishing with a flourish.

Also READ: IRE vs SA 2024, ODI Series: Broadcast, Live Streaming details – When and where to watch in India, South Africa, Ireland, Pakistan & other countries

South Africa’s dominant batting display

South Africa’s innings was built on a series of steady partnerships, beginning with the opening pair of Ryan Rickelton and Temba Bavuma. Rickelton was the first to fall after a fluent 40, while Bavuma had to retire hurt on 35 after looking in good touch. Van der Dussen and Verreynne ensured that the scoring didn’t slow down, adding vital runs in the middle. Verreynne’s contribution of 67 off 64 balls was instrumental in setting the stage for Stubbs’ late assault. Wiaan Mulder also chipped in with a quickfire 43 off 34 balls, providing the perfect support to Stubbs during the death overs. Together, South Africa’s top and middle order ensured they crossed the 300-run mark comfortably.

Ireland’s struggles with the ball

Ireland’s bowlers, despite some initial breakthroughs, struggled to contain the onslaught from Stubbs and Mulder. Craig Young was the pick of the bowlers, picking 1/79 in his 10 overs, while Gavin Hoey (1/49) and Curtis Campher (1/22) managed to grab a wicket each. However, the Irish attack lacked consistency and failed to maintain pressure, especially during the final 10 overs. Andy McBrine was the most economical, conceding just 43 runs in his full quota of 10 overs while picking up Verreynne’s crucial wicket. Mark Adair and Graham Hume were taken to the cleaners, both conceding 79 runs apiece, and despite their efforts, the South African batters remained unperturbed.

Here’s how fans reacted:

TRISTAN STUBBS 💯!!!! 🔥🔥🔥

INCREDIBLE knock from STUBBS to bring up his maiden ODI Century!! Playing some of the best cricket of his life!! The talent this boy has is unmatched he truly has the world at his feet right atm!! Definitely penciled in for CT25 now!#CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/AXkhX5LzGI

— Lawrence Bailey ⚪ 🇿🇦 (@LawrenceBailey0) October 4, 2024

Stubbs scores a century! 💯
What a gem! 👌

The Proteas are 318/3 in the 47th over🏏👏🇿🇦#WozaNawe #BePartOfIt #SAvsIRE

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) October 4, 2024

Maiden International Hundred for Tristan Stubbs and back to back Fifty plus score in Ireland series.

He becomes Most trusted South Africa player in recent time. pic.twitter.com/lISbq08vrM

— Don Cricket 🏏 (@doncricket_) October 4, 2024

1st International century for Tristan Stubbs!!

The first of many to come I believe 🔥 pic.twitter.com/GDkDuIUHuO

— Werner (@Werries_) October 4, 2024

HUNDRED FOR TRISTAN STUBBS 👊

– First in International cricket, hundred from just 75 balls, What a knock, proper dominance against Ireland in the 2nd ODI. pic.twitter.com/zzdollT8vd

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 4, 2024

Maiden ODI century for Tristan Stubbs! What a knock it’s been 🔥👏 first of many more! #IREvSA

— naeemah (@NaeemahBenjamin) October 4, 2024

I am not gonna lie but stubbs reminds me of ABD or may be i am biased

— Taimoor Saleem. (@FracturedMalang) October 4, 2024

Hopefully the first of many. Well batted, Tristan Stubbs. 👏👏👏

— Sam 🏏⚽️🏈 (@sammy5456) October 4, 2024

Starboy Tristan Stubbs scores his maiden ODI 100 off just 75 balls 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

— Ta Lamzo 🇨🇩 (@LamaTheCule) October 4, 2024

Maiden hundred for Tristan Stubbs 🏏#cricket #IREvSA #TristanStubbs #southafricacricket #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/satETLdmJE

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) October 4, 2024

Also READ: IRE vs SA: Ireland’s best playing XI for the ODI series against South Africa

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