South Africa Women will look to seal the series when they face Ireland Women in the second One-Day International at St George’s Park, Gqeberha. The Proteas took a comfortable 1-0 lead in the three-match series with a commanding seven-wicket victory in the opener.

The hosts come into this match with all the momentum, having clinically chased down Ireland’s total of 209/7 (in a rain-reduced 47-over match) in the first ODI. South Africa’s deep batting line-up ultimately proved the difference, anchored by a stadium-record 125-run partnership between the experienced Sune Luus (66*) and the young all-rounder Miane Smit (56*).

Ireland, despite posting a decent total built around contributions from Sarah Forbes (42) and Rebecca Stokell (39*), will be disappointed that their early breakthroughs with the ball weren’t capitalised upon. Captain Gaby Lewis will be eager for her team to maintain pressure through the middle overs and for their top order to convert starts into match-winning scores.

SA-W vs IRE-W, 2nd ODI: Match Details

• Date and Time: December 16; 1:30 pm IST / 8:00 am GMT / 10:00 am local
• Venue: St George’s Park, Gqeberha

SA-W vs IRE-W Head to Head Record in ODIs

Matches played: 11 | South Africa Women won: 10 | Ireland Women won: 01 | No result: 0

St George’s Park Pitch Report

St George’s Park is set to host its first-ever Women’s ODI. Historical data from men’s matches suggests the surface offers a good contest between bat and ball, with a general preference for pace bowlers who can exploit the conditions. The average first-innings score is around 205, indicating a challenging but chaseable target. Given the comfortable chase in the first match and the possibility of rain showers, the captain winning the toss may opt to field first to utilize any early moisture and have a clearer DLS target if required.

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Squads

South Africa: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Lara Goodall, Sune Luus, Miane Smit, Dane van Niekerk, Karabo Meso (wk), Eliz-mari Marx, Tumi Sekhukhune, Ayanda Hlubi, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Leah Jones, Nondumiso Shangase, Faye Tunnicliffe, Sinalo Jafta

Ireland: Sarah Forbes, Gaby Lewis (c), Amy Hunter (wk), Orla Prendergast, Laura Delany, Leah Paul, Rebecca Stokell, Arlene Kelly, Cara Murray, Georgina Dempsey, Lara McBride, Coulter Reilly, Aimee Maguire, Ava Canning, Jane Maguire

SA-W vs IRE-W, 2nd ODI: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• South Africa Women wins the toss and bowl first
• Ireland Women’s powerplay score: 40-50
• Ireland Women’s total score: 180-200

Case 2:

• Ireland Women wins the toss and bowl first
• South Africa Women’s powerplay score: 50-60
• South Africa Women’s total score: 200-230

Match result: Team bowling first to win the contest

Also READ: Sune Luus, Miane Smit sizzle in South Africa’s emphatic win over Ireland in 1st Women’s ODI

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.