Temba Bavuma marked his one-day worldwide debut for South Africa with a century in a commanding 206-run victory over Ireland at Willowmoore Park.
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Warming up for a five-match series against Australia, South Africa racked up 354-5 and bowled out the Irish for 148 in a convincing start to their home season.
Bavuma, who was dropped on one when he edged Peter Chase to Kevin O´Brien at second slip, took advantage of the let-off with a composed innings, reaching his fifty off 54 balls and his century off 110 deliveries.
Test batsman Temba Bavuma, who opened the the batting with Quinton de Kock, and all-rounders Andile Phehlukwayo and Dwaine Pretorius, who are newcomers to worldwide cricket.
With Bavuma and De Kock setting the pace, South Africa pounced on Ireland’s decision to put the home team in to bat at Willowmoore Park in Benoni.
South Africa starts its series against Australia on Friday.
Craig Young (3-81) removed both Faf du Plessis (21) and Bavuma within the space of two overs but if Ireland hoped that would stem the flow of South African runs then they were sorely mistaken.
However, Bavuma failed to relent as he came the second Proteas batsman to score a century on his debut while South Africa reached 211 for one after 34 overs. There were also excellent contributions by Duminy, whose 43-ball innings included four fours and a six, and Farhaan Behardien (52 off 22 balls, 3 fours, 3 sixes). By that time however Bavuma had gone past his century, having hit 13 fours and a six in his 113. Behardien was caught on the boundary off the last ball of the innings while attempting a fourth maximum.
Ireland’s chase hit an immediate set-back with William Porterfield trapped leg before by Kagiso Rabada (1-22) second ball.
Kevin O’Brien hit 7 fours in his mid-order 41 but with the batting side now struggling to cope with the spin of Duminy and Aaron Phangiso, the end was always nigh.
O’Brien added 41 and opener Paul Stirling 40 but Ireland were bowled out for 148, with Duminy producing a career-best four for 16.
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Proteas all-rounder JP Duminy was a key destroyer with the ball against Ireland, taking 4-16.
