The Ireland women’s team toured South Africa in December 2025 for a three‑match WT20I series. South Africa—fresh from finishing as runners-up in the recent Women’s World Cup—proved too strong. The Proteas won the first two games by comfortable margins (105 and 65 runs) and thus sealed the series 2–0. The final T20I at Willowmoore Park (Benoni) was abandoned without a ball bowled due to lightning and heavy rain. In summary, South Africa’s batting firepower consistently dominated, while Ireland showed glimpses of fight but ultimately fell short in both completed matches.
1st T20I (Cape Town)
In the opening T20I (5 Dec, Newlands, Cape Town), South Africa batted first and piled up a formidable 220/2 in 20 overs. Captain Laura Wolvaardt led the onslaught with an unbeaten 115 from 56 balls, including a 124‑run opening stand with Sune Luus (81). Wolvaardt’s century came off just 52 deliveries—the seventh-fastest T20I ton on record. Spin bowler Ava Canning was the only Irish bowler to take a wicket (1/33), as Ireland struggled to contain the big hitters.
In reply, Ireland’s innings quickly unraveled. Openers Amy Hunter (1) and Orla Prendergast (2) both fell in the first over, and wickets continued to tumble. Only Gaby Lewis (30) and Leah Paul (34) managed double-digit scores, sharing a 46-run partnership. The middle order offered little resistance, and Ireland was bowled out for 115 in the 18th over. Sune Luus finished with excellent figures of 4/22 to clean up the tail. Thus, South Africa won by 105 runs—a comprehensive victory attributed to the hosts’ massive total and incisive bowling.
2nd T20I (Paarl)
In the second game (7 Dec, Boland Park, Paarl), South Africa again set a target above 200. Opting to bat, the Proteas scored 201/5 in 20 overs. This time Faye Tunnicliffe provided the backbone with her maiden T20I fifty (51), and Dane van Niekerk smashed a quickfire 41 off only 19 balls. By the end of 20 overs they had added 16 runs to the first innings score. Medium-pacer Aimee Maguire was Ireland’s best bowler, claiming 3/43, but the visitors never really threatened the total.
Ireland’s batting showed more resolve but still fell short. Orla Prendergast anchored the chase with a steady unbeaten 51 (43 balls) and shared a 76-run stand with Leah Paul (40) for the third wicket. However, Ireland lost their way at the start—both opening batters (Hunter and Lewis) were dismissed cheaply in the powerplay—and the required run rate remained out of reach. Ireland finished on 136/3 after 20 overs. South Africa won by 65 runs, taking an unassailable 2–0 lead in the series.
3rd T20I (Benoni)
The third T20I, scheduled for 10 Dec at Willowmoore Park (Benoni), was a washout. Stormy weather—including lightning—swept the ground, forcing officials to abandon the game without a ball being bowled. With the trophy already secured, South Africa claimed the series 2–0. All focus then shifted to the upcoming ODI leg of the tour.
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Series Summary and Performances
South Africa’s dominance was clear in both completed matches. Their top-order batting (Wolvaardt, Tunnicliffe, van Niekerk, and Luus) repeatedly generated 200+ totals, which Ireland could not match. The Proteas also fielded a strong bowling attack—Luus’s 4/22 in the first game and a combined spin attack that choked runs were decisive. On the Ireland side, there were positive signs: Orla Prendergast’s composed 51* and Leah Paul’s consistent contributions (34 and 40 in the first two games) stood out. Teenager Ava Canning showed promise with 1/33 on debut, and Aimee Maguire’s 3/43 in the second match highlighted Ireland’s bowling potential. However, Ireland’s batting lacked the depth to chase big scores, and they lost too many early wickets in both innings.
In summary, South Africa “walked away with a 2-0 series win after registering one-sided victories in each of the first two matches.” The series underlined the gap between the sides in conditions that suited the home team. Ireland can take heart from individual efforts (notably the half-centuries from Prendergast and Paul), but the overall result reflected South Africa’s superior all-round strength on the tour.
