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 center 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.
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.
Proteas Women Squad – ODI Series:
Laura Wolvaardt (Captain) (Fidelity Titans), Tazmin Brits (DP World Lions), Lara Goodall (World Sports Betting Western Province), Ayanda Hlubi (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Sinalo Jafta (DP World Lions), *Leah Jones (World Sports Betting Western Province), Suné Luus (Fidelity Titans), Eliz-Mari Marx (Fidelity Titans), Karabo Meso (DP World Lions), Nonkululeko Mlaba (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Tumi Sekhukhune (DP World Lions), Nondumiso Shangase (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Miané Smit (Fidelity Titans), Faye Tunnicliffe (World Sports Betting Western Province) and Dané van Niekerk (World Sports Betting Western Province)
*Uncapped
Fixtures – Proteas Women’s Inbound Tour vs Ireland 2025
ODI Series
Saturday, 13 December – 1st ODI at 10h00: South Africa vs Ireland (Buffalo Park Stadium, East London)
Tuesday, 16 December – 2nd ODI at 10h00: South Africa vs Ireland (St George’s Park, Gqeberha)
Friday, 19 December – 3rd ODI at 14h00: South Africa vs Ireland (DP World Wanderers, Johannesburg)
**All times are SAST
Source: cricket.co.za
Wasim Akram – Born on June 3, 1966, in Lahore, Akram is regarded as one of the greatest fast bowlers in cricket history. He took 916 international wickets and was known for his ability to swing the ball both ways. His performances in the 1992 World Cup were instrumental in Pakistan’s success.
New York Winder
Wasim Akram’s highest Test innings score of 257 is higher than that of Sachin Tendulkar\’s (who has 248 n.o. to his credit).
Shadow Chaser
Adam Gilchrist holds the record for playing the most number of Tests straight after debut.