South Africa secured an impressive victory in the opening match of the First ODI of the Series against Ireland on Saturday, winning by seven wickets at East London. The match, which was shortened to 47 overs per side due to a wet patch on the field, saw S.Africa chase down Ireland’s total of 209 with ease, finishing with 10 overs to spare. This win sets the tone for the series as the teams prepare for the remaining two ODIs in Gqeberha and Johannesburg.
After winning the toss, Ireland opted to bat first, posting a total of 209-7 in their allotted 47 overs. The innings was anchored by opener Sarah Forbes, who top-scored with 42 runs off 71 balls. Forbes built solid partnerships with Gaby Lewis (45) and Amy Hunter (48), but the Irish batting struggled to accelerate in the middle overs.
The Irish lower order, including Laura Delany (21 off 18) and Rebecca Stokell (39* off 48), provided some resistance. However, it was not enough to lift Ireland to a competitive total. The team was still requiring 10 runs from the final over to cross the 200-run mark, and the Proteas bowlers, particularly Nonkululeko Mlaba, kept the pressure on, limiting Ireland’s total to 209.
Match Summary
- Match Date: 13th December 2025
- Venue: East London, S.A
- Series: First ODI of the Series
- Ireland’s Total: 209-7 (47 overs)
- South Africa’s Total: 211-3 (36.5 overs)
- South Africa’s Win Margin: Seven wickets
- Key Performers (Ireland):
- Sarah Forbes (42 runs)
- Rebecca Stokell (39* runs)
- Nonkululeko Mlaba (3-43)
- Key Performers (South Africa):
- Sune Luus (66* runs)
- Miane Smit (56* runs)
- Wickets of Note:
- Cara Murray (2-34)
- Nonkululeko Mlaba (3-43)
- Next Match: 15th December 2025 in Gqeberha
South Africa’s Chase in the First ODI
S. Africa’s chase was steady and composed, with opener Tazmin Brits and skipper Laura Wolvaardt laying the foundation. However, they faced early setbacks, with Wolvaardt dismissed for 31 by Orla Prendergast and Brits falling to Cara Murray. Despite the early wickets, South Africa’s Sune Luus played a match-winning knock of 66*, while Miane Smit contributed an unbeaten 56* to guide the Proteas to a comfortable victory.
The Proteas reached 211-3 in 36.5 overs, chasing down Ireland’s target with relative ease. Despite the early breakthrough by Ireland’s bowlers, including Murray’s quick dismissals of Tazmin Brits and Lara Goodall, South Africa’s middle-order and the stability provided by Luus and Smit ensured they crossed the line without further drama.
- Ireland’s Top Performers: Sarah Forbes (42), Rebecca Stokell (39*), Nonkululeko Mlaba (3-43)
- South Africa’s Top Performers: Sune Luus (66*), Miane Smit (56*), Nonkululeko Mlaba (3-43)
South Africa’s Bowling Dominance in the First ODI
Nonkululeko Mlaba was the standout bowler for S. Africa, claiming 3 wickets for 43 runs. She was instrumental in limiting Ireland’s scoring and breaking key partnerships. Tumi Sekhukhune also contributed with a crucial wicket, and the South African bowlers put the pressure on Ireland right from the start.
While Ireland’s top order showed some promise with partnerships, the team struggled to accelerate, particularly in the middle overs. Sarah Forbes was the only batter to provide consistent resistance, but her dismissal triggered a collapse in the Irish innings. The lower order, although resilient, could not make up for the lack of momentum in the early stages of the innings.
With S.Africa winning the first ODI, the next two matches in Gqeberha and Johannesburg are critical for both teams. Ireland will need to bounce back quickly to stay in the series, while South Africa will look to build on their commanding win in the first ODI.
FAQs :
1. What was the result of the first ODI between South Africa and Ireland?
South Africa won by seven wickets, chasing down Ireland’s total of 209 in 36.5 overs.
2. Who was the top scorer for Ireland in the first ODI?
Sarah Forbes top-scored for Ireland with 42 runs off 71 balls.
3. Which South African player played a match-winning innings?
Sune Luus played a match-winning knock of 66* off 47 balls, leading South Africa to victory.
4. How many wickets did Nonkululeko Mlaba take in the first ODI?
Nonkululeko Mlaba took 3 wickets for 43 runs in the match.
5. When is the next match in the series?
The second ODI will be played on 15th December 2025 in Gqeberha.