BENONI (South Africa): Temba Bavuma made a century on his one-day international debut as South Africa overpowered Ireland to win by 206 runs in their one-off game on Sunday.
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.
Normally a middle-order batsman, Bavuma was selected as an opener for his first ODI and responded with 113, sharing a 159-run opening stand with Quinton de Kock (82).
Bavuma survived a chance to the slips in just the second over, then found his range to collect 13 fours and a six on his way to becoming the 12th man to make a hundred on ODI debut. Bavuma was the second South African to achieve the feat after Colin Ingram in 2010.
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. JP Duminy added 52 not out and Farhaan Behardien made 50 from 22 balls with three sixes at the end of the South African innings. Behardien was caught on the boundary off the last ball of the innings while attempting a fourth maximum.
Ireland lost captain William Porterfield in the second ball of their chase, lbw to Kagiso Rabada, and never threatened South Africa's total.
Opener Paul Stirling made 40 and Kevin O'Brien hit a quickfire 41 in the only innings of consequence for Ireland.
Duminy took 4-16 with his offspinners to overshadow the frontline bowlers and Ireland lasted just 30.5 overs.
Ireland plays Australia on Tuesday, also at Benoni.
South Africa was without injured captain AB de Villiers, and also gave Hashim Amla, Dale Steyn and Imran Tahir time off.
South Africa starts its series against Australia on Friday.
BRIEF SCORES
South Africa: 354 for 5 (Temba Bavuma 113, Quinton de Kock 82, JP Duminy 52*, Farhaan Behardien 50) beat Ireland: 148 (Kevin O'Brien 41, JP Duminy 4-16) by 206 runs.