South Africa women punish Ireland

South Africa 64 for 0 (Chetty 45*, Anderson 13*) beat Ireland 63 (Kilowan 3-6, Westhuizen 3-7) by ten wickets
Scorecard

Isobel Joyce, the Ireland captain, had warned earlier this week that her country's cricket was going backwards and their opening match against South Africa, when they were bowled out for 63 at Crowthorne, has done little to dispel the myth. Ireland's summer continued in miserable fashion with a ten-wicket thumping at the hands of South Africa, though they have a chance to make amends in the Twenty20 on Friday.

For the visitors, who are set to meet England next week, the win was a timely boost and a good way to start their European tour.

Trisha Chetty, the wicketkeeper-batsman, had an outstanding match. She took three catches, made a lightning stumping off a wide, and then scored a belligerent 45 not out off 46, ably supported by Olivia Anderson who scored a quiet 13 not out in her first international away from South African soil.

Isobel Joyce, who was seeking her first win as Ireland's captain after a disappointing series against West Indies, and her twin sister Cecelia, both disappointed with the bat after Cri-Zelda Brits asked them to bat. Only one Irish batsman, Eimear Richardson (19) got to double figures.

Despite being a bit rusty after a four month break from cricket, the South Africa bowlers were soon on target. Ashlyn Kilowan, who headed here after a victorious domestic Twenty20 competition, took 3 for 6 with her left-armers, and there were also three wickets for Charlize van der Westhuizen. Sunette Loubser, with 2 for 10, also helped dismiss Ireland for 63.

Noor Rhode, who has now clocked up 15 wins from 17 matches as coach was happy with the performance despite a spell during Ireland's innings when South Africa's fielding was poor, including a host of overthrows.