South Africa's batters compiled 375/6, racking up the national team's highest ODI innings total.
Centuries from Laura Wolvaardt and Suné Luus laid the foundation on Tuesday as the Proteas women defeated a fighting Ireland team by 74 runs to wrap up a series victory in the second one-day international (ODI) in Gqeberha.
After winning the toss and choosing to bat, captain Wolvaardt bashed 124 runs off 111 balls at the top of the order, sharing a 179-run partnership for the third wicket with Luus, who hit 114 off 113 deliveries.
And while they were both ultimately removed, experienced middle-order batter Dané van Niekerk added a quickfire 88 off 47 in an innings which featured 13 fours and three sixes.
Seamer Jane Maguire was the best of the Irish bowlers, taking 3/75 and removing both Wolvaardt and Van Niekerk.
The dominant hosts took full control, however, reaching 375/6 to rack up the SA team’s highest total in a women’s ODI match, surpassing the previous Proteas record of 337/5 achieved against Ireland in Potchefstroom in 2017.
Ireland innings
In response, chasing 376 to win, Ireland produced a gutsy performance led by Orla Prendergast who contributed 97 runs off 86 balls.
But they fell short as the Proteas attack combined well to hold them off, bowling out the tourists for 301 runs in the 48th over of their innings.
Seam bowler Leah Jones took 3/48 on her international debut, while Miané Smit grabbed 2/40 and Nondumiso Shangase returned 2/52.
Chasing 400
“It’s always nice to clinch the series with a game to go,” Van Niekerk said after the match.
“I think the batting was fantastic. We speak about pushing that 400-mark all the time, and I think 370-odd on a wicket like that – it’s a bit slower, not like the highveld – for me that’s a box ticked, close to 400.
“We’re obviously very proud of our skipper (Wolvaardt). She’s been leading the way with the runs. And Suné (Luus) has been in incredible form as well.”
The third and final ODI between SA and Ireland, which will be a dead rubber clash with the home side holding an unassailable 2-0 lead, will be held at the Wanderers on Friday.
