Vernon Philander shone on his debut, claiming four wickets and helping South Africa to a 42-run victory over Ireland in a rain-curtailed one-day international in Belfast on Sunday.
Put in to bat, South Africa scored 173 runs for the loss of four wickets and then bowled out Ireland for 131 runs, with just a ball to spare, after the contest was reduced to 31-overs-a-side following a rain delay of close to five hours.
Though Ireland lost the match, they excelled in patches and did not allow a top cricketing side to trample them all over, doing no harm to their post-World Cup reputation.
But two debutants from each side made it their day. For South Africa, it was medium-pacer Philander (4-12), returning the second best figures for his country on debut, while for Ireland, all-rounder Allan Cusack emerged the star as he sparkled both with bat and ball.
Cusack claimed 3 for 15 in just four overs before scoring a resolute 36 not out off 56 balls to steady the rocking boat of the hosts, who kept losing wickets at regular intervals, while chasing the stiff target of six runs per over.
Ireland's opening stand, William Porterfield (17) and Kenny Carroll (21), put on 45 runs but then were reduced to 4-56 as Philander and Steyn (2-30) took control.
Earlier, South African top order put up impressive performances to post 173 for four.
Opener Morne van Wyk cracked a patient half-century while AB de Villiers (40) kept up the scoring rate at the other end after the rain-delayed start.
Van Wyk, back in the side after four years, played cautiously and took 84 balls for his innings. He hit five boundaries.
In contrast de Viliers took just 35 balls for his 40 and stroked six boundaries in the face of some disciplined bowling by the Ireland pacers, who utilised the conditions well.
The opening duo added 75 runs that came in 12.3 overs. De Villiers was the first to go when Roger Whelan had him caught by debutant Cusack.
Stand-in skipper Jacques Kallis scored 46 off 47 balls but was made to toil hard for his runs in the middle overs.
Herschelle Gibbs was caught behind just for 2. Both Kallis and Gibbs gave their wickets to Cuscak.
Justin Kemp gave a late boost to the scoring rate with 18 from 13 balls.
© 2024 Rediff.com -