Dane van Niekerk and Faye Tunnicliffe propel South Africa to T20I series win over Ireland

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South Africa Women wrapped up the three-match T20I series with a game to spare after a commanding 65-run win over Ireland Women in the second T20I in Paarl. A composed half-century from Faye Tunnicliffe and a late-overs assault from Dane van Niekerk powered the hosts to a formidable 201 for 5, before Ireland’s chase faltered despite resistance from Orla Prendergast and Leah Paul.

Making her return to international cricket, van Niekerk smashed 41 off just 19 balls, turning a solid South African innings into a daunting total. Her blitz featured three fours and three sixes, lifting the scoring rate past ten an over. She eventually fell to Arlene Kelly, but not before pushing South Africa beyond the 200-run mark for the second straight match.

Her late fireworks perfectly complemented opener Faye Tunnicliffe, who struck her maiden T20I fifty – a measured 40-ball half-century. Alongside Sune Luus, the pair put on a crucial 78-run opening stand, giving South Africa the ideal platform.

Chloe Tryon then added a rapid 16 not out off seven balls, also overtaking Lizelle Lee’s record for the most sixes by a South African in women’s T20Is (49).

Ireland seamer Aimee Maguire was the standout bowler for the visitors, claiming 3 for 43, including the wickets of Tunnicliffe, Luus and captain Laura Wolvaardt.

Chasing 202, Ireland began conservatively, crawling to 33 without loss in the powerplay. The slow tempo proved costly as Tryon removed both openers – Amy Hunter and Gaby Lewis – to leave Ireland struggling at 35 for 2.

Although Ireland never threatened the target, they found stability through a determined third-wicket partnership. Leah Paul (40 off 29) and Orla Prendergast (51 not out off 43) put on 76 runs, showcasing composure but little acceleration as the required rate soared beyond reach.

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Prendergast eventually reached her half-century in the final over, but by then the match had long drifted away. Ireland finished on 136 for 3, well short of the daunting total.

South Africa takes 2-0 lead in the three-match T20I series #cricket #SAWvIREW #T20I

— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) December 8, 2025

With the series now sealed at 2-0, South Africa’s dominant batting displays – built on depth, aggression and van Niekerk’s impactful return – have been the standout story. Ireland, meanwhile, will look for sharper intent and improved powerplay execution in the final T20I to avoid a whitewash.

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.