Ireland faltered in pursuit of a South Africa total of 294 to collapse to 162 all out in the 38th over.

Ntini took a wicket with his first ball and claimed two further victims, including Ireland's resident Springbok Andre Botha, in a hostile opening spell of three for 21 in six overs.

In addition, he threw down the stumps from deep cover as Niall O'Brien went for a second run off Paul Adams.

Three players made half-centuries after the Springboks had won the toss and elected to bat. Most of the top-order batsmen will be pleased with their contributions.

Graeme Smith and Herschelle Gibbs posted an opening stand of 55 and, after Gibbs' departure, Smith shared in a partnership of 76 with Botha Dippenaar.

After Smith had gone for 61, there was no respite for Ireland as Dippenaar was joined by Jacques Rudolph to create the cornerstone of the innings.

They added 103 runs, treating all the bowlers with equal contempt, before Dippenaar was caught off Conor Armstrong for a top score of 76.

Rudolph followed shortly after for 54 as the Springboks tried to turn the screw, but the last 10 overs yielded only a modest 70 runs.

Seamer Gary Neely was partly responsible for that, taking wickets in successive deliveries in the final over, but his hat-trick hopes were dashed when Adams played him for a single off the final ball.

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