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

South African women concluded the three-match T20I series with a game to spare after an impressive 65-run win Ireland Women in the second T20I in Paarl. A composed half century Faye Tunnicliffe and a late-overs strike from Dane van Niekerk took the hosts to a formidable 201 for 5, before Ireland’s chase faltered despite resistance from Orla Prendergast and Leah Paul.

Faye Tunnicliffe anchors South Africa’s start before Dane van Niekerk delivers a fiery finish

On her return to international cricket, Van Niekerk hit 41 off just 19 balls, turning a solid South African innings into a daunting total. Her blitz consisted of three fours and three sixes, taking her scoring rate above ten per over. She eventually fell for Arlene Kelly, but not before Pushing South Africa past the 200-run mark for the second game in a row.

Her late fireworks perfectly complemented opener Faye Tunnicliffe, who hit her maiden T20I fifty – a measured half-century from 40 balls. Alongside Sune Luus, the pair put up a crucial opening stand of 78 runs, giving South Africa the ideal platform.

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

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

Ireland’s cautious start undermines their pursuit

Chasing 202, Ireland started conservatively and crawled to 33 in the powerplay without loss. The slow pace proved costly as Tryon removed both openers – Amy Hunter and Gaby Lewis – leaving 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 off 43) put on 76 runs, showing composure but little acceleration as the required speed soared out of reach.

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Prendergast eventually reached her half-century in the final, but by then the match was long gone. Ireland finished on 136 for 3, well below the daunting total.

South Africa takes a 2-0 lead in the three-match T20I series #cricket #SAWvIREW #T20I pic.twitter.com/r78FtOhioY

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

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

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This article was first published on WomenCricket.coma Cricket Times company.