IR-W v SA-W | All-round Proteas beat Ireland by 8 wickets & claim series 2-1

An all-round bowling performance and brilliant knocks from Laura Goodall and Anneke Bosch have helped South Africa women win the 3rd T20I against Ireland on Wednesday (June 08) and wrap up the series 2-1.

The third T20I proved to be a carbon copy of the last fixture. The Proteas bowling attack led by Tumi Sekhukhune (3/20 in 3.3 overs) and Nonkululeku Mlaba (2/15 in 4 overs) once again proved to be too hot to handle for the Irish women.

Skipper Gaby Lewis once again led from the front, albeit with a sedate 32-ball 29, but it didn't help her cause one bit that the batters on either side of her- Leah Paul and Marry Waldron- fell within a space of the first three overs.

Mlbaba (2/15 in 4 overs) and Ayabonga Khaka (1/16 in 3 overs) were disciplined in their line and length, making it almost impossible for the Irish batters to get away during the powerplay.

Shauna Kavanagh was the only Irish batter who scored at more than run-a-ball. She hammered three boundaries during her 32-ball 33, adding 54 runs with Lewis.

However, just as it looked that the duo were setting the innings up for a late assault, Mlaba broke the stand by dismissing the Irish skipper.

The most significant body blow to Ireland's desire of getting to a competitive total was dealt by the pair of Sekhukhune and Chetty, who combined to run out the dangerous-looking Kavanagh in the 15th over.

Her run-out triggered a collapse as Sekhukhune, and Nadine de Klerk (2/23 in 4 overs) ran past the home sides' middle and lower-order to eventually knock them over for 104 in the 19th over.

Chasing 105, South Africa, just like the previous game, lost Tazmin Brits early, but once again, the duo of Laura Goodall (48 off 32 deliveries) and Anne Bosch (44* off 37 deliveries) ensured that there was no last-minute twist.

Goodall, who smashed a 40-ball 52 in the last game, hammered nine fours during her 32-ball 48 and, along with Bosch, added 72 runs.

She was eventually run-out in the 10th over, but Bosch ensured she took the visitors home four overs later.

Goodall was adjudged 'Player of the Match' while Ireland skipper Gaby Lewis was named 'Player of the Series'.

South Africa will now look to do an encore of their T20I series when they take on the home side in three ICC Women ODI Championship (2022-25) matches, starting June 11.

Brief Scores:

Ireland Women 104 all-out (18.3)

Shauna Kavanagh 33 (32)

Gaby Lewis 29 (32)

N Mlaba 2/15 (4)

Tumi Sekhukhune 3/20 (3.3)

Nadine De Klerk 2/23 (4) 

South Africa Women 108/2 (13.5)

Lara Goodall 48 (32)

Anne Bosch 44* (37)

Jane Maguire 1/6 (1)

Match Result: South Africa Women won by 8 wickets & take home the series 2-1