The Proteas Women delivered a dominant, statement-making performance, routing Ireland Women by a colossal 105-run margin in the opening fixture of the three-match T20 International series at the World Sports Betting Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town on Friday, 5 December, 2025.
In a match starting a series that serves as a key step in South Africa’s preparations with another World Cup on the horizon, captain Laura Wolvaardt led from the front, smashing an unbeaten record-breaking century that decimated the Irish attack.
Electing to bat first after winning the toss, South Africa lost opener Faye Tunnicliffe early but went on to post a mammoth total of 220/2, an innings that was built on an exceptional 176-run second-wicket partnership between Wolvaardt and all-rounder, Suné Luus.
Wolvaardt was magnificent, crafting an unbeaten 115 runs off just 56 deliveries at a scorching strike rate. Her innings was a blend of power and precision, featuring 15 fours and four sixes. Luus provided the perfect foil, striking 81 runs off 51 balls, including 11 boundaries, before falling late.
The momentum was carried through to the final over by Dané van Niekerk, whose explosive cameo yielded 21 runs off only eight balls. Ireland’s bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught, with only Ava Canning managing a respectable return of 1/33 from her four overs.
Faced with a mountainous required run rate of 11.05 runs per over, the Irish chase quickly succumbed to pressure. Despite their recent five-match winning streak, the visitors failed to establish any substantial partnerships.
Captain Gaby Lewis managed 30 off 29 balls, a rate below the required tempo, while Laura Delany’s 13 runs off 19 balls stalled the middle overs. Leah Paul’s attempt at sustained aggression saw her strike 34 runs off 23 balls, but her efforts were isolated.
South Africa’s bowling unit was ruthlessly clinical, led by the outstanding Luus, who capped her brilliant day by slicing through the Irish middle order with figures of 4/22 from her four overs.
She was well supported in the wickets column by Nonkululeko Mlaba and Chloe Tryon, who claimed two wickets each off their respective three overs bowled, allowing the Proteas to bundle Ireland out for a mere 115 runs in 18 overs.
The comprehensive 105-run victory showcased South Africa’s formidable depth and aggressive capacity. Wolvaardt was deservedly named Player of the Match, while Ireland faces the daunting task of regrouping quickly before the second T20I on Sunday.
The Proteas Women’s Inbound Tour vs Ireland T20I Series 2025 Fixtures (All times CAT)
Fri, 5 Dec – 1st T20I: South Africa beat Ireland by 105 runs (WSB Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town)
Sun, 7 Dec – 2nd T20I at 14h00: South Africa vs Ireland (Boland Park, Paarl)
Wed, 10 Dec – 3rd T20I at 18h00: South Africa vs Ireland (Willowmoore Park, Benoni)
Proteas Women Starting XI
Faye Tunnicliffe
Suné Luus
Laura Wolvaardt
Dané van Niekerk
Marizanne Kapp
Chloé Tryon
Nadine de Klerk
Nondumiso Shangase
Sinalo Jafta
Masabata Klaas
Nonkululeko Mlaba
Republic of Ireland Women’s Starting XI
Amy Hunter
Gaby Lewis (c)
Orla Prendergast
Laura Delany
Leah Paul
Christina Coulter Reilly
Louise Little
Ava Canning
Aimee Maguire
Jane Maguire
Lara McBride
Main Photo Caption: South Africa posted a substantial 220/2 innings after winning the toss and batting first, before bowling visitors Ireland out for 115 in 18 overs, to win the opening of three T20I’s at World Sports Betting Newlands in Claremont, Cape Town, on Friday, 5 December, 2025 All Photos: Cricket South Africa
Photo 2 Caption: SA skipper was devastating in a heist of 115* runs off 56 balls in a partnership worth 116 runs with Suné Luus, to win the Player of the Match award.
Photo 3 Caption: Suné Luus contributed a quick fire 81 runs off 51 balls, before opening the bowling for SA for a haul of four wickets for 22 runs, in her four overs.
