Temba Bavuma ruled out of the 3rd ODI against Ireland due to an injury; Rassie van der Dussen to serve as stand-in captain

South Africa captain Temba Bavuma has been ruled out of the third and final ODI against Ireland due to a soft tissue injury in his left elbow. The match is set to be played on Monday, October 7, at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

The 34-year-old injured himself during the second ODI after landing on his elbow while running at the non-striker's end in the 12th over. He was batting on 35 runs off 39 balls at the time and did not return to the field in the second innings.

Bavuma will return to South Africa to consult a specialist, and Reeza Hendricks has been named as his replacement.

Rassie van der Dussen will step in as the stand-in captain. Additionally, all-rounder Wiaan Mulder has returned home for personal reasons. Meanwhile, South Africa have an unassailable lead in the series, having won the first two games convincingly.

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South Africa won the second ODI by 174 runs

South Africa won the toss and elected to bat first. Ryan Rickelton (40) and Rassie van der Dussen (35) made solid contributions at the top of the order. Kyle Verreynne and Tristan Stubbs then combined for a remarkable 103-run partnership for the third wicket.

Verreynne scored a valuable 67 off 64 balls, while Stubbs notched his maiden century, finishing unbeaten on 112 off 81 balls, including eight fours and three sixes. Wiaan Mulder chipped in with 43 runs off 34 balls, leading South Africa to 343-4 in their 50 overs.

In reply, Ireland got off to a rocky start, losing openers Andrew Balbirnie (1) and Paul Stirling (5) early. Curtis Campher (17) and Harry Tector (20) were unable to build on their starts, and Ireland found themselves 50 for five.

Craig Young was Ireland's top scorer, remaining unbeaten on 29 runs off 21 balls, as the team was bowled out for just 169, losing by 174 runs. Lizaad Williams was impressive for the Proteas, taking three wickets.

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