The ODI Super League was introduced primarily to add context to all bilateral ODI series. These are still early days, but the league has certainly added spices to what otherwise would have been just another ODI series. Having lost the first game, South Africa has a lot to play for when they take on Ireland in the last ODI of the series.
Ireland, meanwhile, are on the cusp of scripting their first ever series win against a team ranked inside the top eight. There is no reason for them to flirt with the winning combination. However, they simply cannot leave out William Porterfield if he is fit for the game.
Overall, the Irish squad looks well settled almost every discipline. Paul Stirling and Andy Balbirnie provide a much-needed solidity as an opening pair. Harry Tector and George Dockrell put on an incredible display of their hitting prowess in the last game.
Quinton de Kock will return to the side after being rested for the first two ODIs. In that case, Aiden Markram, who made 5 in the last game, will miss out. Other than that, the batting unit is likely to stay the same.
South Africa are heavily reliant on their top four batters to put up a big total. Barring Rassie van der Dussen, the others have failed to make an impact for some time now. David Miller needs to stand up and take responsibility to add a finishing touch.
Another concern for the visitors have been their bowling in death overs. The pace triumvirate of Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje and Lungi Ngidi was clobbered around with disdain by Tector and Dockrell.
Head to Head
South Africa have met Ireland seven times. They won five and the defeat in the last game was their first.
Probable XIs
Ireland: William Porterfield, Paul Stirling, Andrew Balbirnie (c), Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (wk), George Dockrell, Simi Singh, Andy McBrine, Craig Young, Joshua Little, Mark Adair
South Africa: Aiden Markram, Janneman Malan, Temba Bavuma (c), Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne (wk), David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Lungi Ngidi
Prediction
South African should level this series.