Sport

Ireland’s ODI series against South Africa in Malahide sells out

Just 560 fans will be allowed at each of the three games under Covid-19 regulations

A crowd of 560 will be allowed at Malahide for each of the three One-Day Internationals between Ireland and South Africa. Photograph: Oisín Keniry/Inpho

Emmet Riordan's face
Emmet Riordan
Wed Jul 7 2021 - 16:27

Ireland’s upcoming three-match One-Day International series against South Africa in Malahide has sold out, as well as the T20 international at the north county Dublin venue.

Just 560 supporters will be allowed at the venue under Government Covid-19 regulations, with tickets quickly snapped up when they went on sale online on Tuesday.

The three ODI games – the first home ODIs in two years – take place next Sunday, July 11th, Tuesday 13th and Friday 16th, with the T20 game taking place on Monday, July 19th.

The two sides then head to Belfast to complete the T20 series with two more games on July 22nd and 24th. Tickets are still available for the games in Belfast, with capacity presently set at 500, although that may rise.

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Ireland skipper Andrew Balbirnie welcomed the return of supporters, saying: "It feels great to finally be playing a home international again as a team. It's been a trying year playing in front of no fans away from home, so to get the opportunity to play in front of friends, family and supporters is very exciting for all of us.

“Having spectators certainly makes a difference – creating an atmosphere at a ground that will hopefully bring out the best in some of our players. Just the buzz around the ground is something I personally have missed and I hope over the next while we all feel that again.”

“We know how tough this upcoming series is going to be against an in-form South African side, but these are the opportunities and series that as a player you want to play in. So, hopefully over the next month we see some big performances in green.”

Andrew Balbirnie