South Africa demolished Ireland by 74 runs in Gqeberha on Tuesday, securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in their women’s ODI series whilst smashing their own batting record in the process.
Captain Laura Wolvaardt and Sune Luus delivered magnificent centuries as the Proteas blazed to 375/6, surpassing their previous ODI record against the same opponents from 2017. Dané van Niekerk’s explosive 88 off 47 balls provided the perfect finale to a batting masterclass.
Wolvaardt struck 124 off 111 balls for her 12th ODI century, reaching 1,000 ODI runs for the calendar year with a trademark off-drive. The captain’s signature shot brought up her 39th career half-century before she launched a full toss to long leg for the boundary that sealed her ton.
Luus compiled 114 off 113 balls, registering her second successive half-century following her match-winning 66* in East London. She clipped into the onside to reach her second ODI century before sacrificing her wicket in the closing stages.
Van Niekerk announced her international comeback emphatically, launching sixes and finding boundaries with remarkable ease. The veteran reached her half-century from just 32 balls, celebrating with a thump of the Protea badge.
Ireland’s response began disastrously when Eliz-Mari Marx struck in the first over, removing Sarah Forbes through a sharp catch by debutant Leah Jones at point. Captain Gaby Lewis managed 45 before pulling Nondumiso Shangase straight to Tazmin Brits.
Orla Prendergast fought valiantly with 97 off 86 balls, keeping Irish hopes alive alongside capable partners. However, crucial dropped catches in the 39th over proved costly as Paul and Prendergast escaped briefly.
Marx redeemed the fielding lapses by catching Paul for 36, whilst Prendergast fell agonisingly three runs short of her century when Luus poached her slog into the onside.
Jones claimed three wickets on debut as Ireland collapsed to 301 all out, their search for a tour victory continuing.
