South African top order put up impressive performances to post 173 for four against Ireland in the rain-curtailed one-day international in Belfast on Sunday.
Openers Morne van Wyk cracked a patient half-century while AB de Villiers (40) kept up the scoring rate at the other end after rain had delayed the start by nearly five hours and reduced the contest to 31 overs per side.
For Ireland Alex Cusack enjoyed a dream debut, picking up three wickets for 15 runs in the only four overs that he bowled.
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 Villiers took just 35 balls for his 40 and stroked six boundaries in the face of some disciplined bowling by 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 boost to the scoring rate with 18 from 13 balls.
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