CRICKET UNDER-19 WORLD CUP: IRELAND WENT down to a five-wicket defeat to South Africa in their opening group game at the Under-19 World Cup in Queenstown, New Zealand yesterday.

Ireland skipper Andrew Balbirnie lost what was to prove a crucial toss in overcast conditions and on a pitch which contained early-morning moisture.

South Africa’s opening attack of Graham Hume and Rabian Engelbrecht took full advantage as Ireland lost the first four batsman with the score on 36.

However, the depth of Ireland’s batting line-up was to shine through as Ben Ackland (66) and Lee Nelson (55) added 117 in 28.1 overs to put them right back in the game.

A late flurry of runs from Graham McDonnell (24 not out), and Stuart Poynter (25 not out) added 45 in just 26 balls as Ireland’s innings closed on 216 for six off their 50 overs.

What concerned Ireland was the docile nature of the pitch in the latter half of their innings, and their worries were confirmed as South Africa came steaming at them when they batted.

Left-hander Dominick Hendricks (47) went on the offensive, and helped by some wayward bowling, saw them race to 67 without loss in 11 overs.

The introduction of Stuart Thompson into the attack brought immediate dividends, as he removed both openers in quick succession, with Balbirnie taking danger man Colin Ackerman for 19 to leave South Africa on 109 for three.

A fifth-wicket stand of 57 from 63 balls from Stephan Smith (67 not out) and Malcolm Nofal (32) quashed any hopes of an Ireland win, and despite Paul Stirling picking up two wickets late on, South Africa got home with 38 balls to spare.

Ireland’s task doesn’t get any easier tomorrow as they play Australia at the same venue.