All-rounders Suné Luus and Miané Smit produced unbeaten half-centuries to steer the Proteas Women to a commanding seven-wicket victory over Ireland in the first One-Day International at Buffalo Park Stadium in East London on Saturday, 13 December 2025.
Luus top-scored with 66* off 72 balls, striking six fours, while Smit registered her maiden ODI half-century with 56* runs from 70 deliveries, including seven boundaries. Their efforts ensured South Africa comfortably chased down Ireland’s total of 209/7, which was highlighted by figures of three for 43 from Nonkululeko Mlaba.
After a delayed start resulted in the match being reduced to 47 overs per side, Ireland won the toss and opted to bat. Openers Sarah Forbes (42) and Gaby Lewis (14) provided a solid platform, putting on 45 runs in the first 11 overs before Tumi Sekhukhune (2/32) made the breakthrough by clean-bowling Lewis in the 12th over.
Despite the loss of their captain, the visitors continued to build, with Forbes and Amy Hunter (32) sharing a 48-run partnership for the second wicket. This stand took Ireland to 93/1 in the 22nd over before Luus (1/34) struck with the key dismissal of Forbes.
The introduction of South Africa’s spinners in the middle overs shifted the momentum well in the hosts’ favour. Smit (1/14) removed Hunter, while Mlaba accounted for Laura Delaney (21) and Leah Paul (2), leaving Ireland reeling on 139/5.
With just over 13 overs remaining, Ireland steadied through a 32-run partnership between Orla Prendergast (28) and Rebecca Stokell (39*) before Sekhukhune and Mlaba claimed the final wickets to fall, dismissing Prendergast and Arlene Kelly (6), as Ireland were restricted to 209/7.
In reply, South Africa confidently raced to 38/0 inside five overs, with Laura Wolvaardt striking a 24-ball 31 before she was caught at slip off the bowling of Prendergast (1/31).
Following the early loss of their skipper, Tazmin Brits (27) and Lara Goodall (20) guided the Proteas Women to 79/1 prior to both batters falling in quick succession to Cara Murray (2/34), leaving the home side at 86/3 after 14.2 overs.
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Requiring 124 runs for victory, South Africa turned to the experienced Luus and the 20-year-old Smit. Rising to the occasion, the pair combined for a stadium-record fourth-wicket partnership of 125 runs, taking the game away from the visiting side.
Luus raised her bat for the 18th time in her career, while Smit marked her first international match on home soil with a career-best fifty to take South Africa over the line with 61 deliveries to spare.
The Proteas Women now lead the series 1–0 ahead of the second ODI, which will be played at Dafabet St George’s Park in Gqeberha on Tuesday, 16 December.
The Proteas Women’s Inbound Tour vs Ireland ODI Series 2025 Fixtures (All times CAT)
Sat, 13 Dec – 1st ODI at 10h00: South Africa beat Ireland by 7 wickets (Buffalo Park Stadium, East London)
Tue, 16 Dec – 2nd ODI at 10h00: South Africa vs Ireland (St George’s Park, Gqeberha)
Fri, 19 Dec – 3rd ODI at 14h00: South Africa vs Ireland (DP World Wanderers, Johannesburg
Proteas Women Starting XI
Laura Wolvaardt (C)
Tazmin Brits
Lara Goodall
Suné Luus
Dané van Niekerk
Miané Smit
Karabo Meso
Eliz-Mari Marx
Tumi Sekhukhune
Ayanda Hlubi
Nonkululeko Mlaba
Ireland Women Starting XI
Gaby Lewis
Sarah Forbes
Amy Hunter
Orla Prendergast
Laura Delany
Leah Paul
Rebecca Stokell
Arlene Kelly
Cara Murray
Georgina Dempsey
Lara McBride
Main Photo Caption: Miané Smit celebrates her maiden ODI 50 as she and Suné Luus produced unbeaten half-centuries to steer the Proteas Women to a 7-wicket victory over Ireland in the first series match at Buffalo Park Stadium in East London on Saturday, 13 December 2025. All Photos: Cricket South Africa
Photo 2 Caption: Sune Luus raised her bat for her 18th ODI half-century in the first ODI between the Proteas Women and Ireland.
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