AB de Villiers
South Africa's batsman AB de Villiers celebrates after reaching a century against West Indies. [Getty]

South Africa take on Ireland in their opening Group B fixture of the 2015 ICC World Cup at Manuka Oval, Canberra, on Tuesday (3 March).

Where to Watch Live

The match starts at 3:30am GMT. Live coverage is on Sky Sports 2 and Sky Sports 2 HD. Click here for live streaming link.

Overview

South Africa come into this fixture after a huge victory over the West Indies in their third Group B fixture of the World Cup. After winning the toss, AB de Villiers elected to bat first. Although the innings got off to a sedate start, a quickfire 150, the fastest in an ODI, from the skipper helped the Proteas to post a mammoth total of 408.

De Villiers scored 162 from 66 deliveries. In reply, the West Indies were bowled out for 151. South Africa were without all- rounder JP Duminy and Vernon Philnader for their last clash due to injuries. The two were replaced by Rilee Rossouw and Kyle Abbott.

Duminy and Philander are unlikely to be fit to face Ireland and Rossouw and Abbot are likely to retain their place in the playing XI on Tuesday.

Niall O'Brien
Niall O'Brien need to star with the bat if Ireland hope to seal a victory over South Africa. [Getty]

William Porterfield's side are on a roll after winning the first two matches against the West Indies and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The last clash against the UAE saw Ireland chase down the target of 279 with four balls and two wickets to spare.

Ireland have been giant killers in the last three editions of the World Cup (including the 2015 World Cup). They will be looking to extend their unbeaten run when they take on the tournament's firm favourites South Africa.

Prediction

South Africa to win

What They Say

William Porterfield (Ireland captain): ""You can sit all day and talk about him and different theories and plans and whatever, but you've got to stick to your best ball and how you go about things. You don't have to reinvent the wheel or change how you play really against one player."

Betting Odds (888Sport.com)

  • South Africa to win: 1/19
  • Ireland to win: 9

Team News

South Africa

Possible XI: Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock (wk), Faf du Plessis, Rilee Rossouw, AB de Villiers (c), David Miller, Wayne Parnell, Kyle Abbott, Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, Imran Tahir

Ireland

Possible XI: Williams Porterfield (c), Paul Stirling, Ed Joyce, Niall O'Brien, Andy Balbirnie, Gary Wilson (wk), Kevin O'Brien, John Mooney, Alex Cusack, Max Sorenson, George Dockrell

South Africa