South Africa Women Secure Series Victory Over Ireland with Dominant Performance

South Africa Women Triumph in Second T20I Against Ireland

Paarl [South Africa], December 8: A remarkable performance by Dane Van Niekerk, alongside a stellar half-century from Faye Tunnicliffe, propelled South Africa Women to a 65-run victory over Ireland Women in the second T20I. This win granted the Proteas Women an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match T20I series on Sunday.

Faye Tunnicliffe earned the Player of the Match title for her impressive half-century.

Choosing to bat first, South Africa set a formidable target of 201 runs, scoring 201/5 in their allotted 20 overs. The opening partnership between Tunnicliffe and Sune Luus was pivotal, contributing 78 runs to establish a solid foundation. Tunnicliffe achieved her maiden half-century, scoring 51 runs off 42 balls, with her innings including 6 boundaries.

In her return to the team, Van Niekerk made a significant impact, scoring 41 runs off just 19 balls, which included three fours and three sixes, helping the hosts reach their second consecutive total exceeding 200 in this series against Ireland. Chloe Tryon added a quickfire 16 runs off 7 balls in the closing overs, setting the target at 202 runs while also breaking Lizelle Lee's record for the most sixes by a South African woman in T20Is, now totaling 49.

In reply, Ireland's batting began cautiously, managing only 33 runs during the power play without losing a wicket. However, Chloe Tryon quickly turned the tide by dismissing both openers, Amy Hunter and Gaby Lewis, leaving Ireland at 35 for 2 in the seventh over.

A partnership of 76 runs for the third wicket between Orla Prendergast and Leah Paul provided some resistance. Paul scored 40 runs before being dismissed, while Prendergast remained unbeaten, reaching her half-century off 39 balls in the final over. Ultimately, Ireland could only muster 136 runs for 3 wickets in their 20 overs, falling significantly short of the target.

Brief Scores: South Africa 201/5 (Faye Tunnicliffe 51, Dane van Niekerk 41, Aimee Maguire 3-43) defeated Ireland 136/3 (Orla Prendergast 51*, Chloe Tryon 2-24).