There was double trouble for Ireland Women as they lost back-to-back International T20 games against South Africa today.
Skipper Isobel Joyce took 3 for 16 and teenager Kim Garth 2 for 33 to help Ireland restrict South Africa to what looked a modest 127 for 5 in their first encounter.
However the Irish batting failed as they slumped to 71 all out to lose by 56 runs. Isobel Joyce (18) and twin sister Cecelia (17) were the only batters to make any impression.
In the afternoon game half centuries from Mignon du Preez and Trisha Cheety helped South Africa post 161 for 5.
Du Preez (69) struck 12 fours and a six in her 42 ball innings, while Chetty made a fluent 53 as the pair added 103 for the 3rd wicket.
The Irish batting was more solid second time around as they posted a respectable 115 for 8. Clare Shillington top scored with a run a ball 31, while keeper Mary Waldron also impressed with a knock of 28.
The South African attack bowled very well, with Sune Luus and Ayabonga Khaka taking four wickets apiece.
The teams meet again tomorrow (WED) in the third and final game of the series.
INTERNATIONAL T20 SERIES
Game 1 – Full Scorecard
SOUTH AFRICA 127/5 (20 overs, B Bezuidenhout 34, M Kapp 31, C Tyron 28*, I Joyce 3-16, K Garth 2-33)
IRELAND 71 all out (18.5 overs, I Joyce 18, C Joyce 17, C Tyron 2-8, D van Niekerk 2-8, A Khaka 2-16)
South Africa won by 56 runs
Game 2 – Full Scorecard
SOUTH AFRICA 161/5 (20 overs, M du Preez 69, T Chetty 53)
IRELAND 115/8 (20 overs, C Shillington 31, M Waldron 28, S Luus 4-21, A Khaka 4-23)
South Africa won by 46 runs
Yes
Connaught
