Mon Oct 07 18:22:22 UTC 2024: ## Former South African Cricketer JP Duminy Fields in Third ODI Against Ireland
**Abu Dhabi, UAE:** In a surprise turn of events, former South African batsman JP Duminy, currently the team’s batting coach, took to the field as a substitute fielder in the third ODI against Ireland on Monday. The unexpected appearance came as several South African players faced fatigue due to the intense heat in the UAE.
The dramatic moment unfolded in the final over of the Irish innings. Duminy, who had retired from ODIs in 2019, darted into action at short third and executed a spectacular diving catch to dismiss Irish batsman Harry Tector.
Despite the South African team’s dominance in the series, a series of injuries had plagued their squad. Captain Temba Bavuma missed the third ODI due to an elbow injury, all-rounder Wiaan Mulder returned home for personal reasons, and opener Tony de Zorzi remained sidelined with a knee injury. Duminy’s impromptu fielding appearance was likely a result of these personnel shortages.
Ireland, who won the toss and chose to bat first, put up a respectable total of 284 runs. Captain Paul Stirling anchored the innings with a fluent 88 runs off 92 balls, while Harry Tector contributed a half-century and other notable scores came from Andy Balbirnie (45) and Curtis Campher (34).
South Africa leads the three-match series 2-0 after winning the first two ODIs. The two-match T20I series that preceded the ODIs ended in a 1-1 draw.
First Piper 