South Africa and Ireland Match Preview at Manuka Oval

South Africa and Ireland Match Preview at Manuka Oval.

South Africa became the first team ever to reach 400 in two consecutive one-day international matches and almost equalled India’s World Cup record total of 5-413 in 2007.

QUIETLY-SPOKEN Hashim Amla upstaged his high-profile skipper AB de Villiers with a record-breaking knock of 159 off 128 balls in South Africa’s near-record total of 4-411 against Ireland in Canberra.

Amla and Faf du Plessis (109) shared a 247-run stand for the second wicket and de Villiers was his usual attacking self, hitting 24 off nine balls.

Last Friday against West Indies, de Villiers clubbed the fastest 150 in ODI history off just 64 balls.

Today Amla scored his 20th hundred in 108 ODI innings, which is a world record for fastest to reach the milestone. India’s Virat Kohli set the previous record in October 2014 in 133 innings.

De Villiers and Amla are among 12 players who’ve scored 20 or more ODI centuries, led by India great Sachin Tendulkar on 49.

Amla posted his highest ODI score, but for all his fine batting it was a cover drive by de Villiers for six in the 41st over that drew the biggest gasp from the Manuka Oval crowd.

Amla, who hit 16 fours and four sixes, holed out to long off in the following over at 3-299 and de Villiers followed two deliveries later after popping a catch off a reverse sweep.

Rilee Rossouw punched out six fours and three sixes in a 30-ball knock of 61 not out while David Miller was unbeaten on 46 off 23 deliveries.

John Mooney opened the bowling for Ireland in his green headband and started with two maidens, removing opener Quinton de Kock caught behind for one after a video referral.

Missed chances at short mid-wicket with Amla on 10 and at slip with du Plessis on 19 cost Ireland 239 runs.

Kevin O’Brien took 1-95 off seven overs, including conceding 24 runs off the last over of the innings.

But he did get in a victory dance and some shadow boxing after bowing du Plessis.

article source: http://www.foxsports.com.au/cricket/icc-world-cup-2015/south-africa-v-ireland-cricket-world-cup-2015-group-b-clash-at-manuka-oval/story-e6frf3ju-1227246281544