SA-W beat IRE-W in the 1st ODI in East London
Laura Wolvaardt scored century in the match and won Player of the Match award
SA-W scored 220 in the 1st innings, while IRE-W could only score 115 runs while chasing
South Africa Women put on a breathtaking display in the opening match of the Ireland Women tour of South Africa 2025-26, completely dominating the 1st T20I at Newlands, Cape Town.
Winning the toss and opting to bat first, the hosts smashed a massive 220 for 2 in their 20 overs, led by an extraordinary century from Laura Wolvaardt, who scored 115 off 56 balls*, ably supported by Sune Luus’ 81. The pair’s brilliant partnership propelled South Africa to one of their highest T20 totals ever, leaving Ireland with a mountain to climb.
Chasing a daunting target, Ireland Women struggled from the outset as their batters found few answers to South Africa’s fierce attack. Gaby Lewis offered some resistance with a score in the 30s, but wickets fell at regular intervals, and the team was eventually bowled out for 115 in 18 overs. Luus also starred with the ball, finishing with impressive figures that compounded Ireland’s woes and ensured the home side’s dominance was complete.
The result was a commanding 105-run victory for South Africa Women, giving them a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series. Wolvaardt’s century, one of the fastest and most explosive innings in recent women’s T20Is, set the tone for a comprehensive all-round performance, showcasing South Africa’s depth and firepower early in the tour. Ireland will look to bounce back in the next game, but today belonged to a clinical South African side.
Catch the scorecard and ball-by-ball updates from SA-W vs IRE-W 1st ODI:
SA-W vs IRE-W, 1st ODI: Toss
Ireland Women skipper Gaby Lewis won the toss and opted to bat.
SA-W vs IRE-W, 1st ODI: Playing XIs
South Africa Women (Playing XI): Laura Wolvaardt(c), Tazmin Brits, Lara Goodall, Sune Luus, Dane van Niekerk, Miane Smit, Karabo Meso(w), Eliz-mari Marx, Tumi Sekhukhune, Ayanda Hlubi, Nonkululeko Mlaba
Ireland Women (Playing XI): Gaby Lewis(c), Sarah Forbes, Amy Hunter(w), Orla Prendergast, Leah Paul, Laura Delany, Arlene Kelly, Rebecca Stokell, Cara Murray, Georgina Dempsey, Lara McBride
SA-W vs IRE-W, 1st ODI: Squads
South Africa ODI squad: Laura Wolvaardt (C), Tazmin Brits, Lara Goodall, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Leah Jones, Sune Luus, Eliz-Mari Marx, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, Miane Smit, Faye Tunnicliffe, Dane van Niekerk.
Ireland ODI squad: Gaby Lewis (captain), Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Laura Delany, Georgina Dempsey, Sarah Forbes, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Aimee Maguire, Jane Maguire, Lara McBride, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Rebecca Stokell.
SA-W vs IRE-W, 1st ODI: Live Streaming
Ireland women's tour of South Africa was broadcasted on Star Sports network in India whereas the live streaming was available on JioCinema and FanCode app and website in India.
