After winning the three-match T20I series against Ireland, the South Africa Women’s team is continuing its dominant run in the ongoing WODIs. The team played their second ODI in Gqeberha and sealed the win by 74 runs with the help of a Player of the Match performance by captain Laura Wolvaardt. They are now leading the ODI series by 2-0 over the Ireland Women’s team.
South Africa Women started the innings with strong performances showcased from only three batters. Wolvaardt led the batting lineup with her high score of 124 off 111 at a strike rate of 111.71. Sune Luus came in next and created a strong partnership alongside Wolvaardt and went on to score 114 runs off 113 balls. In addition to that, Dane van Niekerk, who reversed her retirement decision and returned after four years, was another valuable contributor. In 47 balls, she scored 88 runs at a strike rate of 187.23.
At the end of the innings, South Africa posed a target score of 375/6, their highest-ever in WODIs. Meanwhile, Ireland’s bowlers succeeded with six wickets. Three wickets came from Jane Maguire, two from Aimee Maguire, and one from Arlene Kelly.
For Ireland Women, the target chase started with the loss of their opening batter, Sarah Forbes, but captain Gaby Lewis somehow managed to score 45 runs off 52 balls. The momentum then continued with Amy Hunter (64 off 66) and Orla Prendergast (97 off 86). The only other handy contributions came from Leah Paul (36 off 36) and Arlene Kelly (20 off 14).
However, the middle and lower order batting could not continue the run further and failed in their attempts. South Africa’s bowling line-up was successful in their attempt and bowled Ireland out for 301. Leah Jones picked up three wickets. Nondumiso Shangase and Miane Smit took two each. Meanwhile, Eliz-Mari Marx, Tumi Sekhukhune and Luus also took one each.
Earlier in the first ODI match, South Africa Women took the lead by defeating Ireland by seven wickets. In that match, Ireland posted a modest target of 209/7 in 47 overs. When it came to South Africa Women, the batters took the dominance with two half-centuries scored from Sune Luus and Milane Smit. Meanwhile, Tazmin Brits and Lara Goodall made some decent contributions, and the team completed the run chase at 211 with only three wickets spared.
