Last Updated on 1 month by Charbel Coorey

IRE vs SA 3rd ODI Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | IRE vs SA 3rd ODI Dream11 Prediction Today | Ireland vs South Africa 3rd ODI Key Players | Belfast Pitch Report

A good underdog story is a reminder that cricket exists beyond the “big three.” A good underdog story is a reminder that cricket has the potential to grow around the world, and create truly wonderful moments. This series, perhaps not on the radar of fans around the globe, certainly deserves the attention.

Ireland have had their fair share of great moments over the years, but their first ODI win over South Africa, after a period of consistent cricket thanks to the ODI Super League, is special. Their performance so far in this series has been nothing short of outstanding, with the latest being a clinical and composed takedown of the Proteas. Consistent bowling was preceded by wonderful finishing to an innings that deserved a strong score courtesy of Andy Balbirnie’s superb century.

So, a big question is whether Ireland can convert this into a series win. The other is whether South Africa can bounce back and pick up important Super League points. Before the opening ODI, this series was rightly viewed as an opportunity for the Proteas to move up the Super League table. However, two games later, their only points in Ireland have been courtesy of a no result. While their batting was well under-par last time out, it is their bowling that has surprisingly struggled for penetration. They have taken just seven wickets in 90.2 overs to date, with their death bowling an area of concern, too.

Strap yourselves in, this one promises to be another interesting matchup.

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Ireland:

• It’s safe to say that Andy Balbirnie enjoys playing against South Africa. The Ireland skipper now has three 50+ scores in as many ODIs against the Proteas, including a superb century last time out. He will be crucial once again.
• Paul Stirling remains ODI cricket’s premier run-scorer in 2021 (586 runs, avg. 65.11). In this series, he has batted past the 10-over mark twice, only to get out after making a start (scores of 13 and 27). Stirling has the most runs at Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast with 651 runs at 34.26.
• The coming of age of Harry Tector? The right-hander played a blinder last game (79 off 68 balls) in a career that has been filled with starts. Can he back it up with another big effort here?
• Josh Little has taken nine wickets in his last four ODIs, including a fine spell of 2/45 in the second ODI. Watch out for his battle with Quinton de Kock, if it does eventuate.
• Andy McBrine showed his all-round credentials with 30 (47) and 2/34 in the second ODI. Key player.

South Africa:

• Quinton de Kock is set to return after being rested for the first two ODIs. And South Africa needs him to fire like he did in the T20Is vs West Indies (255 runs in five matches). In two ODIs against Ireland, he has a score of 82.
• Jannemann Malan continues to impress when given the opportunity. His 84 in the second ODI put South Africa in a position to push for victory.
• Temba Bavuma has a century to his name vs Ireland. He needs to lead the way as skipper. Rassie van der Dussen was inches away from his 10th 50+ score in 19 ODI innings (49 in the second ODI). He will be key once again.
• Kagiso Rabada has the most wickets of any bowler this series (3), but has been on the expensive side (econ. 5.50). He has the potential to make significant inroads into the Irish batting order if he can fire here. As does Anrich Nortje, who went wicketless in the second ODI.
• Tabraiz Shamsi continues to bowl in economical fashion. His series figures read 18-1-77-2, and will be key again in building pressure in the middle overs.

Stats and Facts

• Ireland’s win in the second ODI was their first ever victory over South Africa.
• Ireland have only ever won two ODI series against full-member nations: 3-0 against Zimbabwe in 2019 and 2-1 against Afghanistan in 2017.
• Quinton de Kock needs just 28 runs to reach 10,000 international runs as a wicket-keeper.
• Mark Adair has taken nine wickets in four ODIs at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast.

Possible Playing 11

William Porterfield, who scored 63 in the first ODI, missed the second match due to a finger injury. His fitness is being monitored.

Ireland: 1. Paul Stirling, 2. Andy Balbirnie (c), 3. Andy McBrine, 4. Harry Tector, 5. George Dockrell, 6. Mark Adair, 7. Curtis Campher, 8. Lorcan Tucker (wk), 9. Simi Singh, 10. Josh Little, 11. Craig Young

Quinton de Kock is set to slot back in for South Africa, likely for Aiden Markram. Also, the Proteas could look to play three specialist quicks in place of either Andile Phehlukwayo or Keshav Maharaj. The third seamer could be Lizaad Williams, who took seven wickets in four T20Is vs Pakistan earlier in 2021.

South Africa: 1. Quinton de Kock (wk), 2. Janneman Malan, 3. Temba Bavuma (c), 4. Rassie van der Dussen, 5. Kyle Verreynne, 6. David Miller, 7. Andile Phehlukwayo, 8. Kagiso Rabada, 9. Anrich Nortje, 10. Lizaad Williams, 11. Tabraiz Shamsi

Civil Service Cricket Club Belfast Pitch Report and Weather

Some seam movement will be available early, but if you get through the initial stages, batting looks to be very pleasant. The forecast is for a temperature in the low 20s with only a small chance of rain.

Dream11 Prediction

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Match Prediction

Ireland are playing with plenty of confidence, but the return of Quinton de Kock can prove to be a big boost for the Proteas. It promises to be a competitive match, but South Africa will emerge victorious.