Luus and Smit guide Proteas Women to comfortable ODI win over Ireland

All-rounders Suné Luus and Miané Smit produced unbeaten half-centuries to steer the Proteas Women to a commanding seven-wicket victory over Ireland in the first One-Day International (ODI) at Buffalo Park Stadium in East London on Saturday.

Luus top-scored with 66* off 72 balls, striking six fours, while Smit registered her maiden ODI half-century with 56* runs from 70 deliveries, including seven boundaries. Their efforts ensured South Africa comfortably chased down Ireland’s total of 209/7, which was highlighted by figures of 3/43 from Nonkululeko Mlaba.

After a delayed start resulted in the match being reduced to 47 overs per side, Ireland won the toss and opted to bat. Openers Sarah Forbes (42) and Gaby Lewis (14) provided a solid platform, putting on 45 runs in the first 11 overs before Tumi Sekhukhune (2/32) made the breakthrough by clean-bowling Lewis in the 12th over.

Despite the loss of their captain, the visitors continued to build, with Forbes and Amy Hunter (32) sharing a 48-run partnership for the second wicket. This stand took Ireland to 93/1 in the 22nd over before Luus (1/34) struck with the key dismissal of Forbes.

The introduction of South Africa’s spinners in the middle overs shifted the momentum well in the hosts’ favour. Smit (1/14) removed Hunter, while Mlaba accounted for Laura Delaney (21) and Leah Paul (2), leaving Ireland reeling on 139/5.

With just over 13 overs remaining, Ireland steadied through a 32-run partnership between Orla Prendergast (28) and Rebecca Stokell (39*) before Sekhukhune and Mlaba claimed the final wickets to fall, dismissing Prendergast and Arlene Kelly (6), as Ireland were restricted to 209/7.

In reply, South Africa confidently raced to 38/0 inside five overs, with Laura Wolvaardt striking a 24-ball 31 before she was caught at slip off the bowling of Prendergast (1/31).

Following the early loss of their skipper, Tazmin Brits (27) and Lara Goodall (20) guided the Proteas Women to 79/1 prior to both batters falling in quick succession to Cara Murray (2/34), leaving the home side at 86/3 after 14.2 overs.

Requiring 124 runs for victory, South Africa turned to the experienced Luus and the 20-year-old Smit. Rising to the occasion, the pair combined for a stadium-record fourth-wicket partnership of 125 runs, taking the game away from the visiting side.

Luus raised her bat for the 18th time in her career, while Smit marked her first international match on home soil with a career-best fifty to take South Africa over the line with 61 deliveries to spare.

The Proteas Women now lead the series 1-0 ahead of the second ODI, which will be played at Dafabet St George’s Park in Gqeberha on Tuesday.

Proteas Women Squad - ODI Series

Laura Wolvaardt (Captain, Fidelity Titans), Tazmin Brits (DP World Lions), Lara Goodall (World Sports Betting Western Province), Ayanda Hlubi (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Sinalo Jafta (DP World Lions), *Leah Jones (World Sports Betting Western Province), Suné Luus (Fidelity Titans), Eliz-Mari Marx (Fidelity Titans), Karabo Meso (DP World Lions), Nonkululeko Mlaba (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Tumi Sekhukhune (DP World Lions), Nondumiso Shangase (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Miané Smit (Fidelity Titans), Faye Tunnicliffe (World Sports Betting Western Province) and Dané van Niekerk (World Sports Betting Western Province).

*Uncapped

Fixtures and Results

T20I Series

First T20I @ WSB Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town - SA won by 105 runs

Second T20I @ Boland Park, Paarl - SA won by 65 runs

Third T20I @ Willowmoore Park, Benoni - No Result

ODI Series

First ODI @ Buffalo Park Stadium, East London - SA won by seven wickets (DLS)

Tuesday - Second ODI at 10am @ St George’s Park, Gqeberha

Friday - Third ODI at 2pm @ DP World Wanderers, Johannesburg