Proteas Women cruise to victory in ODI opener against Ireland in East London

Chasing a target of 210 after the match was reduced to 47 overs due to a delayed start, Laura Wolvaardt gave the Proteas Women a quick begining with 31 off 24 balls.

Tazmin Brits contributed 27 while Lara Goodall scored 20 but when both fell in quick succession, the Proteas Women were in a spot of bother at 86-3 in their 15th over.

Luus and Smit though combined for a match-winning stand of 125 runs that saw the home team over the line in the 37th over.

The more experienced Luus was 66 not out at the end while the 20-year-old Smit, playing in her sixth ODI, was unbeaten on 56 and hit the winning runs.

Earlier, Nonkululeko Mlaba finished with figures of 3-43 in 10 overs as the hosts restricted Ireland to a total of 209-7 after the tourists had won the toss and opted to bat.

The Irish will be disappointed as plenty of batters got in and looked set but opener Sarah Forbes top-scored with 42.

After beating the visitors 2-0 in the T20I series, one match was abandoned due to rain, the Proteas Women can wrap up the 50-over series with the second encounter at St Georges' Park in Gqeberha on Tuesday.

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