Ireland fell to a 115-run defeat to World Cup finalists South Africa in the first T20 international on their winter tour.
After winning the toss in Cape Town, the hosts elected to bat first under overcast and windy conditions. Ireland started well, Jane Maguire making an early in-road by removing Faye Tunnicliife for one, caught behind slashing at a wide ball.
However, the home side hit their stride once captain Laura Wolvaardt came out to the middle and dominated the innings with a blistering spell at the crease.
Ireland's bowlers were sternly tested by the stylish top-order batter who recorded the seventh fastest century in Women’s T20 history, taking just 52 deliveries to get to the milestone.
She was well supported by Sune Luus (81) as Ireland’s bowlers struggled to find a way to stem the flow of runs. The pick of the Irish bowlers was Ava Canning (1-33) and Aimee Maguire (0-36) also impressed on her return to the international stage.
In reply, Ireland’s chase got off to the worst possible start with Amy Hunter (1) and Orla Prendergast (2) dismissed in the first over.
Gaby Lewis (30) and Leah Paul (34) then stabilised with the best partnership of the Ireland innings, before Lewis found the short fine leg fielder when she chased a wide delivery down legside. When Paul was caught by the same fielder soon after, Ireland were faltering at 77-4.
South Africa’s bowlers continued to apply pressure and wickets fell consistently with Ireland eventually all out for 115 in the 18th over.
Ireland are back in action on Sunday (12pm) in Paarl.
