South Africa vs Ireland: 5 things to look forward to

The 2nd and 3rd placed teams in Pool B will battle it out tomorrow at the Manuka Oval in Canberra. South Africa have won 2 of 3 games so far, while Ireland have won both of theirs, and it should be an interesting contest. While South Africa may have the odds in favour of them, it would be foolish on their part to underestimate the Irish, because they have sprung up upsets in the past, and recently defeated the West Indies as well.It was exactly four years ago that Kevin O’Brien hit the fastest World Cup century in the game against England to hand the Irish a 3-wicket win. They have played 3 ODIs against each other so far, with 2 of them being World Cup encounters, and South Africa have come out victorious all three times. But with the momentum that the Irish are carrying this time, they just might get something to think about.Here are 5 things to look forward to in the game:

#5 South Africas bench strength

With Vernon Philander and JP Duminy out with injury, South Africa’s bench strength will be put to the test once again Ireland. They actually did quite well last game. Rilee Rossouw impressed with his quick fifty, while Kyle Abbott picked up 2 wickets with the ball. There is a high possibility that all-rounder Farhaan Behardien will also feature in the playing XI, who was not tested in the last game against the Windies.

While it also gives the key players some rest, having your bench players on the field against the minnows gives the team an idea of who they can pick next time there is a vacancy. It is a good opportunity for the players themselves to cement their places permanently in the side. Rossouw’s display last match may well have done that. Whatever may be the case, they have an important role to play in the clash tomorrow, and if the Proteas win it, it will make the road to the quarters a lot easier for them.

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