Nandre Burger ruled out of SA vs IRE 2024 ODI series, to miss Bangladesh Tests as well

South Africa have suffered an injury blow amid their ODI leg against Ireland and ahead of the upcoming Test series in Bangladesh, beginning on October 21 in Dhaka, as Nandre Burger will play no further part in either. The left-arm pacer is suffering from a lower back injury and will return home to recuperate from the same.

The 29-year-old neither featured in the two T20Is against Ireland nor in the opening ODI. He played in the first and third ODI of the preceding 50-over series against Afghanistan, but the Proteas lost both of them, with Burger claiming only one scalp.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) released a statement on X, claiming:

"Proteas Men’s fast bowler Nandre Burger has been ruled out of the remainder of the One-Day International (ODI) series against Ireland and the upcoming Test tour of Bangladesh due to a lumbar stress reaction. The 29-year-old experienced discomfort in his lower back, and subsequent scans revealed the injury. He will return home and undergo further assessments."

The board announced that a replacement will be named for Burger in due course.

South Africa opt to bat first against Ireland in 2nd ODI to seal series

Paul Stirling and Temba Bavuma shake hands. (Credits: Ireland Cricket Twitter)

Meanwhile, Temba Bavuma has won the toss and opted to bat first as South Africa hope to seal the series in Abu Dhabi. With opener Tony de Zorzi suffering an injury, the Proteas made one change, bringing in Kyle Verreynne. The Irishmen remained unchanged in a bid to eke out their first ODI win over their opposition.

The first ODI saw Ireland reduce South Africa to 39/3 at one stage, but the 152-run stand between Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs propelled their side to 271/9 in 50 overs. In response, the Irishmen struggled as Lizaad Williams snaffled four wickets, while Lungi Ngidi and Bjorn Fortuin picked up two each to register a 139-run win.