On October 2, 2024, South Africa and Ireland faced off in the series-opening ODI at Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Zayed Stadium. Choosing to bat after winning the toss, South Africa's start was a mix of aggression and fragility. Tony de Zorzi managed 12 before falling to a short ball from Mark Adair, and captain Temba Bavuma followed shortly after, dismissed by Craig Young for 4. Adding to the pressure, Adair claimed the wicket of Rassie van der Dussen without him getting a single run on the board.
The game shifted as Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs worked together to rebuild the innings. Rickelton put on a strong display, scoring 91 off 102 balls with seven boundaries and three sixes before Andy McBrine finally got him out with an off-break. The breakthrough was followed quickly in the next over when Mark Adair trapped Stubbs for 79 off 86 balls, caught by Balbirnie after an off-cutter delivery.
The collapse continued as Mark Adair bowled Andile Phehlukwayo for a mere 1 run, and Lizaad Williams fell for 13 to Craig Young, caught by Tector. Bjorn Fortuin added 28 before being dismissed by a short ball from Graham Hume. Lungi Ngidi remained unbeaten on 20 off 17 balls, helping South Africa reach a competitive final score of 271/9 at the end of their 50 overs.
Ireland's chase of 272 started poorly despite the presence of captain Paul Stirling and Andrew Balbirnie. The hopes of a stable start vanished quickly when Lungi Ngidi dismissed Stirling for just 2 runs on the fourth ball of his spell. Balbirnie fared slightly better, contributing 20 runs, including two fours and a six, before falling to Lizaad Williams.
The struggle persisted as Lizaad Williams also removed Campher for 20. Then, Ottniel Baartman beat Stephen Doheny with a precise length delivery outside off-stump, sending him back for only 3 runs. Lungi Ngidi then returned to the attack to dismiss Mark Adair for 12, leaving Ireland reeling at 86/6 by the 21st over.
George Dockrell attempted to stabilize the innings with 21 runs but was eventually dismissed by Wiaan Mulder. Shortly after, Bjorn Fortuin was stumped off Gavin Hoey for just 1 run. The tail didn't last long; Lizaad Williams removed Andy McBrine for 14, and Bjorn Fortuin took the wicket of Graham Hume for 9. Although Craig Young remained unbeaten on 12, Ireland was all out for 132. With this result, South Africa leads the three-match series 1-0, with the second ODI scheduled for October 4.