South Africa secured a 2-0 series win over Ireland in the second T20I at Paarl, powered by Dane Van Niekerk’s explosive cameo and Faye Tunnicliffe’s composed half-century. The Proteas posted 201 for 5 and restricted Ireland to 136 for 3, winning by 65 runs and taking an unassailable lead in the three-match series.
Opting to bat, South Africa were steadied by Tunnicliffe, who struck her maiden T20I fifty off 40 balls. She shared a 78-run opening stand with Sune Luus, providing the platform for Van Niekerk’s fireworks at the back end. Van Niekerk’s 19-ball 41, featuring three sixes and three fours, accelerated the innings past 200, while Chloe Tryon added a rapid unbeaten 16 to break Lizelle Lee’s record for most sixes by a South Africa women’s T20I batter.
Ireland struggled in response despite a fighting 51* from Orla Prendergast and 40 off 29 from Leah Paul. Early breakthroughs from Chloe Tryon, removing both openers, kept Ireland under pressure, and their run-rate never recovered.
Prendergast and Paul added 76 runs for the third wicket, but the target of 202 proved beyond reach. South Africa’s second consecutive 200-plus total of the series highlighted their dominance and all-round depth, leaving Ireland short by 65 runs.
The win confirms South Africa’s series triumph, showcasing a blend of calm top-order batting and explosive finishing that sets them up for the final T20I with momentum on their side.
