South Africa Women and Ireland Women will face each other in the third and final ODI on Friday at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. After dominating the opening two matches, South Africa have already sealed the three-match series, but Ireland, who have struggled to show some resistance, will be determined to restore pride with a strong finish.
On the other hand, South African women have been in commanding form throughout the series. They opened with a convincing seven-wicket victory in the first ODI at East London, chasing down Ireland’s total of 209 with great ease. Key contributors with the bat for South Africa have been skipper Laura Wolvaardt, whose century in the second ODI set the tone for the big total, and all-rounder Suné Luus. Meanwhile, veteran Dane van Niekerk has played a stunning cameo to play a crucial role.
In the second ODI at St George’s Park, South Africa produced a record-breaking batting performance, posting 375/6, their highest ever women’s ODI total, and went on to win by 74 runs, securing an unassailable 2–0 lead. For Ireland Women, the final ODI represents a chance to end the tour on a high note and give themselves something to cheer about.
Head-to-head
Matches - 22
SA-W won - 20
IRE-W won - 1
No result - 1
South Africa Women likely XI: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Lara Goodall, Sune Luus, Dane van Niekerk, Miane Smit, Karabo Meso (wk), Nondumiso Shangase, Eliz-mari Marx, Leah Jones, Tumi Sekhukhune
Ireland Women likely XI: Sarah Forbes, Gaby Lewis (c), Amy Hunter (wk), Orla Prendergast, Laura Delany, Leah Paul, Rebecca Stokell, Arlene Kelly, Cara Murray, Jane Maguire, Aimee Maguire