South Africa Women’s cricket team has secured a convincing series win against Ireland, defeating the visitors by 74 runs in the second one-day international (ODI) in Gqeberha. This follows a seven-wicket victory in the first ODI in East London, giving the Proteas a 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

South Africa Sets Record Total in Second ODI

Winning the toss and electing to bat, South Africa put on a stunning batting display, posting a massive 375-6 in their 50 overs. This surpassed their previous record against Ireland of 337 runs set in 2017.

Captain Laura Wolvaardt led the way with a masterful 124 off 111 balls, anchoring the innings with a 179-run partnership with all-rounder Sune Luus, who also scored a century (114 off 113 balls). Dane van Niekerk added a rapid 88 off 47 balls, providing a late-innings flourish that propelled the total to record heights.

“The top-order performance was exceptional,” said analysts. “Wolvaardt and Luus’ partnership laid the foundation for what would become a challenging target for Ireland.”

Ireland’s Brave Chase

Ireland started their chase on shaky ground after losing opener Sarah Forbes for a five-ball duck in the first over. Nevertheless, a 76-run partnership between Gaby Lewis and Amy Hunter provided some stability in the middle overs.

Orla Prendergast was the standout performer for Ireland, scoring 97 before being caught just three runs short of becoming the first Irish woman to record two ODI centuries. Despite her heroics, the Irish batting lineup could not overcome the Proteas’ imposing total, finishing all out for 301.

Leg-spinner Megan Jones was the pick of the bowlers for South Africa, taking 3-48, while Sune Luus also contributed with the ball, helping restrict Ireland in the middle overs.

Series Summary

• 1st ODI (East London): South Africa won by seven wickets
• 2nd ODI (Gqeberha): South Africa won by 74 runs
• 3rd ODI (Johannesburg): Scheduled for Friday

With two wins from two matches, South Africa has clinched the series ahead of the final ODI, demonstrating dominance with both bat and ball.

Key Performances

Player	Team	Runs/Wickets	Notes
Laura Wolvaardt	South Africa	124	Anchored innings, strong captaincy
Sune Luus	South Africa	114	Century and key partnership with Wolvaardt
Dane van Niekerk	South Africa	88	Quick-fire innings to boost total
Orla Prendergast	Ireland	97	Just short of second ODI century
Megan Jones	South Africa	3-48	Best bowling figures for South Africa

Looking Ahead

The final ODI in Johannesburg will provide Ireland a chance to avoid a whitewash and give South Africa an opportunity to continue their dominance. Fans will also watch to see if Orla Prendergast can finally record her second ODI century.

South Africa’s record-breaking innings and all-around performance reinforce their position as a top-ranked ODI team heading into the next international series.