Proteas Women seal series in front of vibrant Gqeberha crowd

The Proteas Women produced a dominant victory at St George’s Park in Gqeberha on Tuesday, clinching the series 2–0 with one match remaining.

There is something refreshing about the Gqeberha crowd.

Whether it is the SA20 or an international fixture, the crowd is almost always vibrant. People come out in numbers, determined to maintain their reputation as some of the best supporters in the country when it comes to cricket.

On Tuesday, Gqeberha’s faithful were treated to a sparkling Proteas Women’s performance, as captain Laura Wolvaardt led a youthful side to a 74 run victory and series-winning victory at St George’s Park.

Bowlers Miane Smit (two wickets), Nondumiso Shangase (two) and Leah Jones (three) starred with the ball, while Eliz-Mari Marx (one), Tumi Sekhukhune (one) and Sune Luus (one) also played important roles as South Africa secured an unassailable lead.

Despite the convincing win, the Proteas did leak runs, with Ireland Women reaching 301 — their highest ODI total to date.

Earlier, Wolvaardt led from the front, scoring her 12th ODI century in front of a vibrant ‘Windy City’ crowd.

The 26-year-old took the attack to the visiting Ireland Women bowling line-up, delighting the St George’s Park faithful with her crisp cover drives. The right-hander struck 19 fours in her 124 off 111 deliveries, guiding the Proteas to a formidable total of 375/6.

Top-order batter Sune Luus also stepped up, bringing up her second century in international cricket and her first on home soil.

It is difficult to believe that such a class batter has only two centuries in her 143-match ODI career. Many believed she had turned a corner when she scored her maiden century in Pakistan two years ago under challenging conditions.

However, Luus has endured a relatively quiet period since then, particularly with the bat, failing to reach three figures again — until Tuesday.

The former Proteas Women’s captain raced to 114 off 113 deliveries, entertaining the Gqeberha crowd as she rediscovered her best form.

Luus combined in a century partnership with local favourite Dane van Niekerk, as the pair took the Proteas from 238/3 to 355/4 and pushed the hosts well beyond the 300-run mark.

Van Niekerk, playing her first international match at St George’s Park since reversing her retirement decision, impressed with the bat as friends and family filled the stands. Every run was celebrated as she cruised to her 10th ODI half-century, helping South Africa post a commanding total against Ireland Women.

SCORECARD

SOUTH AFRICA 375/6

Wolvaardt 124, Luus 114, Van Niekerk 88; J Maguire 3/75, A Maguire 2/69

IRELAND 301 all out (47.5 overs)

Prendergast 97, Hunter 64; Jones 3/75, Smit 2/40

The Proteas won by 74 runs and lead three-match series 2-0