Proteas thrash Ireland in ODI decider to level series

Opener Janneman Malan has thrashed a career best 177 not out to help steer South Africa to a series-levelling 70-run ODI victory over Ireland at Dublin.

Malan notched the fourth highest score in South African ODI history in a 225-run opening stand with the equally impressive Quinton de Kock (120 from 91 balls) in the third ODI to help draw the three-game series.

South Africa amassed 4-346 before bowling the hosts out for 276 in 47.1 overs with Ireland tailender Simi Singh 100 not out off 91 balls.

Malan struck 16 fours and six sixes in his 169-ball stay at the crease, falling 11 runs short of Gary Kirsten's South Africa record of 188 not out against the United Arab Emirates in the 1996 Cricket World Cup.

In reply, Ireland were in early trouble in their innings as left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj (2-51) picked up quick wickets to leave the home side reeling at 3-27.

Singh scored his maiden ODI century – and the highest one-day score for an Irishman batting at No.8 – while South Africa-born Curtis Campher hit 54.

Tabraiz Shamsi (3-46) was the pick of the tourists' attack, but they put in another sloppy display in the field with a number of dropped catches.

South Africa could only draw the series after Ireland won the second ODI by 43 runs on Tuesday – their first one-day win over the Proteas – and the opener was washed out.

The teams will now contest a three-match Twenty20 international series starting on Monday.