South Africa’s commanding win handed them an unassailable 2–0 lead in the three-match series, with the third and final ODI set to be played in Johannesburg on Friday.

After winning the toss, Proteas captain Laura Wolvaardt had no hesitation in opting to bat first on a flat surface that promised runs - and it delivered in abundance.

Laura Wolvaardt. Photo: Cricinfo

Despite early setbacks that saw Tazmin Brits depart for six and Lara Goodall for 12, the hosts recovered superbly to post a formidable 375/6 in their 50 overs, powered by brilliant centuries from Wolvaardt and Suné Luus.

Wolvaardt was in sublime touch, striking 19 boundaries on her way to a classy 124 off 111 balls - her 12th Women’s ODI century. Luus complemented her skipper perfectly, smashing 13 fours and a six in a career-best 114 off 113 deliveries to register her second ODI hundred for South Africa.

The fireworks continued at the back end of the innings as former captain Dané van Niekerk went on the attack, blasting 88 off just 47 balls, including 13 fours and three sixes. Her entertaining knock came to an end on the final ball of the innings when she was caught in the deep.

Ireland showed plenty of fight in reply and made history by reaching 300, eventually being bowled out for 301 off the final delivery of the 48th over.

Orla Prendergast led the resistance with a superb 97 off 86 balls, striking ten fours and a six, while wicketkeeper Amy Hunter impressed with 64 off 66, including six fours and a six. Captain Gaby Lewis chipped in with 45 off 52, and Leah Paul added a brisk 36 at a run-a-ball.

For South Africa, debutant Leah Jones was the standout with the ball, claiming 3/48 in 6.5 overs. Miané Smit picked up 2/40 in seven overs, while Nondumiso Shangase returned figures of 2/52 in her seven.

Dané van Niekerk. Photo: CSA

Speaking after the match, Van Niekerk said the team had ticked several important boxes during the convincing win on home soil.

“It’s always nice to clinch the series with a game to spare,” said Van Niekerk.

“I thought the batting was fantastic - we always talk about pushing towards that 400 mark, and to get 370-odd on a slower wicket that’s not the Highveld is definitely a box ticked.

“I’m incredibly proud of our skipper, who’s been leading the way with the runs, and Suné has been outstanding too - not just with the bat, but with the ball and in the field. It was a great day out for them.”

Leah Jones. Photo: CSA

Van Niekerk added that while the result was pleasing, the bowling unit still has room for improvement.

“Our bowling is something we need to sharpen up. We’re short of a few senior bowlers, but our consistency wasn’t quite where it needs to be, both sides of the wicket,” she said.

“Credit to Ireland though - scoring 300 is historic, and Prendergast, along with Amy Hunter, batted superbly.

“There were around 680 runs scored on the day, which is a great advertisement for women’s cricket, and the crowd was fantastic as well.”

The third and final match of the ODI series will be played on Friday in Johannesburg, with the first ball at the Wanderers scheduled to be bowled at 13:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek