Paarl, [Date] – South Africa secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the T20 series against Ireland, dispatching the visitors by 65 runs in the second international at Paarl.
Batting first after winning the toss, the Proteas’ top order laid a powerful foundation for a massive total. Opener Faye Tunnicliffe top-scored with a commanding 51, ably supported by Sune Luus (37) and a powerful 41 from Dane van Niekerk, which included three sixes. Despite Aimee Maguire’s three-wicket haul for Ireland, South Africa finished their innings on an imposing 201-5.
The chase proved too steep for Ireland. While the visitors showed more fight than in the first match, they struggled to keep pace after losing early wickets, including captain Gaby Lewis and Amy Hunter to the brilliant bowling of Chloe Tryon (2-24). A resilient partnership between Orla Prendergast (51) and Leah Paul (40) offered resistance, but the required run rate was unmanageable. Ireland closed their 20 overs at 136-3.
South Africa now heads to Benoni for the final T20 on Wednesday, before the focus shifts to the One-Day series beginning in East London on Saturday.
