IRE-W vs SA-W | Gaby Lewis & Leah Paul's heroics help Ireland beat South Africa by 10 runs

On a day when Gaby Lewis became the youngest cricketer to lead Ireland, there was more history in store for the 21-year-old as she led her side to a memorable 10-run win over South Africa in the 1st T20I of the three-match series on Friday night.

Lewis led from the front as she smashed a whirlwind 38-ball 52 with the help of eight fours to help Ireland Women post an eventual match-winning total of 143/7 in 20 overs.

Lewis leapfrogged Claire Shillington (1019) during her innings to become the leading scorer for her country.

She also became the 2nd youngest- 21 years & 68 days- to cross the landmark of 1000 T20I runs, a record held by India's Jemimah Rodrigues (21 years & 32 days).

Lewis added a record 98 runs for the opening wicket with Leah Paul, who chipped in with a 42-ball 47. However, the unfortunate run-out of Lewis at the score of 52 triggered a collapse that saw Ireland lose 6-35 in the next 6.4 and eventually finished at 143.

Fast bowler Tumi Sekhukhune (3/32 in 3 overs) and medium pacer Nadine De Klerk (1/17 in 4 overs) were the picks of the bowlers for the Proteas.

In response, the South African batters except for Chloe Tyron, who smashed three fours and a six in her 15-ball 26, showed little intent, with Anne Bosch (29 off 36), Laura Wolvaardt (20 off 22) and skipper Sune Luus (23 off 24) all striking under 100.

Rachael Delaney (0/1 in 1 over) provided Ireland with the perfect start. She not only dismissed opener Lara Goodall on the first delivery of the innings but also backed it up with five dot balls.

That set the tone, and the duo of Jane Maguire (0-17 in 4), who was sensational at the death, Leah Paul (1-21 in 3), and Arlene Kelly (2-25 in 4) took it forward brilliantly.

South Africa eventually finished at 133/7 after 20 overs to hand Ireland a 1-0 lead in the series. This is Ireland's 2nd T20I win over their counterparts, and they will look to convert it into a historic series win on Monday.

Brief Scores:

Ireland Women 143/7 (20)

Gaby Lewis 52 (38)

Leah Paul 47 (42)

Tumi Sekhukhune 3/32 (4)

Nadine De Klerk 1/17 (4)

South Africa Women 133/7 (20)

Chloe Tyron 26* (15)

Arlene Kelly 2/25 (4)

Jane Maguire 0/17 (4)

Leah Paul 1/21 (3)

Match Result: Ireland Women won by 10 runs

Player of the Match: Leah Paul 47 (42) & 1/21 (3)