The Proteas Women delivered a disciplined bowling performance to restrict Ireland to 209/7 in the first ODI at Buffalo Park in East London.
On a sluggish surface, left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba was the star performer with figures of 3/43. Mlaba utilised all her experience of playing at the World Cup on subcontinent pitches, as she gave the ball air to extract any turn that was on offer.
She was well-supported by medium-pacer Tumi Sekhukhune, who chipped in with 2/32.
Sekhukhune had brought about the initial breakthrough after Ireland’s openers Sarah Forbes and Gaby Lewis started well with a 45-run opening stand in the first Powerplay.
But what ultimately developed into a theme that carried throughout the innings, Ireland lost a wicket just when they seemed settled with Lewis bowled for 14.
Forbes (42, 71 balls, 4×4), though, found another solid partner in Amy Hunter as the pair added a further 48 runs for the third wicket. Hunter showed off her innovative batting skills by utilising the ramp shot to good effect.
Unfortunately for the Irish, Forbes was caught by Lara Goodall off part-timer Miani Smit just when the innings seemed to gain some momentum.
Orla Prendergast (28) and Laura Delany (21) also got starts but could not really move the run-rate along as Mlaba and Sekhukhune tightened the screws during the middle period.
It was only until lower-order batter Rebecca Stokell (39 not out off 48 balls) walked to the crease that Ireland could harbour thoughts of passing 200, which they eventually did in the final over.
