The first two T20Is between hosts South Africa and Ireland have underlined the gap in experience between the two sides, with the hosts already securing the series 2-0 with a game still to be played. In Cape Town, the hosts piled up a commanding 220 for 2 before skittling Ireland for 115 to seal a thumping 105‑run win and set the tone. In Paarl, South Africa again bossed proceedings, posting 201 for 5 and then restricting Ireland to 136 for 3, cruising to a 65‑run victory.
Squads:
South Africa Women’s Cricket Team
Dane Van Niekerk, Faye Tunnicliffe, Laura Wolvaardt, Annerie Dercksen, Chloe Tryon, Marizanne Kapp, Nadine De Klerk, Nondumiso Shangase, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso, Sinalo Jafta, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Seshnie Naidu
Ireland Women’s Cricket Team
Christina Coulter Reilly, Gaby Lewis, Rebecca Stokell, Laura Delany, Leah Paul, Louise Little, Orla Prendergast, Amy Hunter, Aimee Maguire, Alana Dalzell, Arlene Kelly, Ava Canning, Cara Murray, Jane Maguire, Lara McBride
Players to watch out:
Laura Wolvaardt
Laura Wolvaardt has been the undisputed star of the series, leading the charge for South Africa with her exceptional batting. She currently tops the run charts with a massive 137 runs. Her highlight moment came in the first T20I where she struck a phenomenal, unbeaten 115, the highest score of the series, demonstrating both power and precision. Wolvaardt has punished the bowlers, registering the series’ only century and accumulating 19 fours and 4 sixes.
Chloe Tryon
Chloe Tryon has made her mark not just as a power-hitter, but as a crucial wicket-taker for the South African side. She is currently the joint top wicket-taker, having claimed 4 wickets across her spells. She has been incredibly economical and effective, boasting an excellent bowling average of 9.50 and an economy rate of just 5.42. Tryon ensures consistent pressure, with her strike rate showing she takes a wicket roughly every 10.50 balls.
Leah Paul
For Ireland, Leah Paul has been the most reliable presence at the crease, managing to put together vital innings when her team needed them. She sits third overall in the series with 74 runs scored. Her highest contribution was an innings of 40, and her consistent performance has resulted in a respectable batting average of 37.00. Maintaining a healthy strike rate of 142.30, Paul has ensured the scoreboard kept ticking over, primarily through her 12 fours.
Aimee Maguire
Young Irish bowler Aimee Maguire delivered a noteworthy performance against the strong South African line-up. She managed to secure 3 wickets in the series, with her standout contribution coming in the form of a spell of 3/43. This impressive effort saw her take the prized wickets of key South African batters, including Sune Luus and the series’ top scorer, Laura Wolvaardt.
Pitch:
Willowmoore Park in Benoni features a batting-friendly surface that remains flat and hard, allowing batters to play strokes freely and often leading to high scores. The pitch offers consistent bounce and pace, favoring fast bowlers early on, though it provides some assistance to bowlers later in matches.
Weather:
Expect highs around 25-26°C with mostly cloudy skies and an 80% chance of thunderstorms, particularly possible in the morning. Nighttime temperatures drop to about 15°C with a chance of rain.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Dane Van Niekerk, Faye Tunnicliffe, Laura Wolvaardt, Annerie Dercksen, Chloe Tryon, Marizanne Kapp, Gaby Lewis, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Amy Hunter, Aimee Maguire
Match Details:
Date – December 10, 2025
Time – 9:30 PM IST
Venue – Willowmoore Park, Benoni
Broadcast – The game will be live streamed on the Jio Hotstar app and website.
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