South Africa vs Ireland: Where to watch live, prediction, preview and possible XI

South Africa take on Ireland in the only One Day International (ODI) scheduled between the two nations at Benoni on 25 September (Sunday).

Where to watch live

Match starts at 9am BST. Live TV coverage is available on Sky Sports 3 and Sky Sports 3 HD. Click here for the live streaming link.

Overview

South Africa start their home summer when they host Australia, but before that they will get a chance for valuable match practice when they take on Ireland in the only One Day International (ODI) at Benoni. The hosts come into the game currently in fourth place on the ICC ODI rankings with 110 points and are tied with India who have the same number of points.

The Proteas have not been in limited overs action off late, with their last assignment being the two-match Test series against New Zealand which they won 1-0. The team will be without star batsman and regular skipper AB de Villiers, who is suffering from an elbow injury which means that Faf du Plessis will take over the side for this fixture.

South Africa will also be without Hashim Amla, who has been rested while pacer Morne Morkel is currently out injured. All-rounder Chris Morris too will miss out after his knee injury flared up with Dwaine Pretorius called up in his place.

Meanwhile, Ireland have not had the best of times lately, getting thrashed comprehensively by Sri Lanka and Pakistan in their last outings which has seen them drop down to the last place in the ICC ODI rankings, with 43 points. The visitors have got a number of opportunities in limited overs cricket this year but have failed to make it count which has hurt them especially in terms of points.

The Irish have the nucleus of the squad who have performed for them over the years, with Kevin O'Brien, George Dockrell, Niall O'Brien, Paul Stirling, Ed Joyce and skipper William Porterfield all capable of winnings matches on their day. Barring Joyce the rest have struggled to maintain consistency which has resulted in them losing games off late.

Star batsman Joyce will miss the game due to a knee problem. However, Tim Murtagh, who is currently playing for Yorkshire in the county championship decider, is expected to join the squad.

Prediction

South Africa to win

Team news

South Africa

Squad: Faf du Plessis (c), Temba Bavuma, Farhaan Behardien, Quinton de Kock (wk), JP Duminy, David Miller, Wayne Parnell, Aaron Phangiso, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Rilee Rossouw.

Ireland

Squad: William Porterfield (c), John Anderson, Peter Chase, George Dockrell, Andy McBrine, Barry McCarthy, Tim Murtagh, Kevin O'Brien, Niall O'Brien, Stuart Poyntner, Paul Stirling, Sean Terry, Gary Wilson, Craig Young.