DUBLIN, June 19: Ireland’s victory over Zimbabwe was put into perspective here on Wednesday as they were beaten by 132 runs by a far more formidable South Africa.

Niall O’Brien made the hosts top score of 31 as the Irish failed to build on a promising opening partnership of 47 and were bowled out for just 162 with over 12 of their 50 overs remaining.

South Africa had earlier rattled up a competitive total of 294 as captain Graeme Smith, Boeta Dippenaar and Jacques Rudolph scored half-centuries in a nice warm-up ahead of their five-Test series with England later in the summer.

While Irish captain Jason Molins — a centurion against Zimbabwe in the 10 wicket thrashing of the hapless Africans — and Jonathan Bray put on an impressive 47 the contest was effectively over when pace bowler Makhaya Ntini took three wickets.

The South Africans relied on their trio of half centurions after Herschelle Gibbs went for 33.

Smith made 61, Dippenaar (76) and Rudolph (54) to ensure they reached a daunting target and it was just as well as the tail failed to wag with former captain Shaun Pollock having a bad day, out for 16 and also failing to shine with the ball.—AFP