South Africa vs Ireland Women 3rd ODI Predictions - Wolvaardt to finish year on a record high

South Africa Women have won their last five ODIs against Ireland Women.

South Africa Women made it three wins from their last four ODIs when they beat Ireland Women by 74 runs to clinch the three-match series 2-0 with a match to play. 

After a year of many great batting exploits, the Proteas turned the 2nd ODI into a celebration of runs, led by skipper Laura Wolvaardt with her fourth ODI century of 2025 (1075 runs). Sune Luus continued her own brilliant form with the bat, but it was Dane van Niekerk’s 47-ball 88 (with three sixes) that truly lit up her international return to her “home ground”

In the absence of senior bowlers Ayabonga Khaka, Marizanne Kapp and Nonkululeko Mlaba, the Proteas attack was found wanting and conceded 301 runs before bowling Ireland out in the 48th over. Youngsters Leah Jones (3/48), Eliz-Mari Marx (1/53) and Miane Smit (2/40) performed well but will hope to be tighter if they play again in the 3rd ODI.

After a good run of form in their World Cup qualifiers, Ireland Women suffered back-to-back losses against the Proteas, losing the 2nd ODI by 74 runs. 

Jane Maguire (3/75), Arlene Kelly (1/59) and Aimee Maguire (2/69) did their best to contain a rampant Proteas top-order. Kelly was the most economical of the bowlers, going for just 5.9 runs to the over.

Chasing the Proteas’ monster 375/6, Ireland posted their highest ever score in ODIs before they were bowled out for 301. Amy Hunter (64) and Orla Prendergast (97) continued their powerful run of form, supported by Gaby Lewis (45).

“It’s always nice to clinch a series with a game to go. I think the batting was fantastic. I think 370-odd on a wicket like that — a bit slower, not the Highveld — is a box tick, close to 400. Very proud of our skipper. She’s been leading the way with the runs, and Sune has been in incredible form as well, not just with the bat, but with the ball and in the field. So, a great day out for them,” said Dane van Niekerk after the 2nd ODI.

South African ODI squad: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Lara Goodall, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Leah Jones, Sune Luus, Eliz-Mari Marx, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, Miane Smit, Faye Tunnicliffe and Dane van Niekerk.

Ireland ODI squad: Gaby Lewis (c), Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Laura Delany, Georgina Dempsey, Sarah Forbes, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Aimee Maguire, Jane Maguire, Lara McBride, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, ⁠Orla Prendergast and Rebecca Stokell.