Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Ireland Men suffered a 139-run loss to South Africa on a historic night for captain Paul Stirling, and Irish sport as a whole, at the Zayed Cricket Stadium.

Before playing, Stirling was handed his 400th cap for his country across all formats at the same ground where he made his debut in 2008.

With 400 international appearances, Stirling becomes the first cricketer for Ireland to do so and the most capped male Irish athlete in any team sport.

Stirling’s father was on hand to watch his son make history, while at the other end of the spectrum, 22-year-old Leinster Lightning leg-spinner Gavin Hoey made his international debut for Ireland.

Despite a fighting performance with the ball, Ireland could not mark the occasion with a win as their batters fell short in the chase.

South African captain Temba Bavuma called to the right and elected to bat first at the toss, but his side were met with an Irish attack with the bit between their teeth.

As has often been the case in recent years, Mark Adair set the tone with the ball, removing opener Tony de Zorzi (12) in the seventh over.

It was the first of three wickets in as many overs as Craig Young Bavuma (4) bowled before Adair’s second wicket left the Proteas 39-3.

Ryan Rickelton (91) and Tristan Stubbs (79) hit back with a 152-run partnership but Ireland continued to fight and dismissed the two set batters in the space of two overs.

Andy McBrine broke the partnership by bowling Rickelton and Adair collected his third of the match six balls later with the wicket of Stubbs.

Adair finished with figures of 4-50 from his 10 overs, with Young (3-45) producing the second best result with the ball.

Unfortunately for Ireland and their captain, Stirling could not celebrate his milestone with a telling contribution at the crease and was bowled by Lungi Ngidi in the first over.

Andrew Balbirnie and Curtis Campher tried to right the ship but were both taken out for 20 by Lizaad Williams.

When Adair was caught by Rickelton off Ngidi’s bowling early in the 21st over, Ireland had slipped to 86-6.

Ultimately the task was too great as South Africa closed in on victory. The second of three matches in the ODI series will take place at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Friday.

CONTEST SUMMARY

Ireland Men v South Africa Men, 1st ODI, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – October 2, 2024

South Africa 271-9 (50 overs; R Rickelton 91, T Stubbs 79; M Adair 4-50, C Young 3-45)

Ireland 132 (31.5 overs; G Dockrell 21; L Williams 4-32, B Fortuin 2-28, L Ngidi 2-35)

South Africa won by 139 runs

View the full scorecard