Orla Prendergast – her tally of 51 was the highlight of Ireland’s T20 encounter against South Africa
Orla Prendergast struck 51 not out in Boland, South Africa and Aimee Maguire took three wickets as Ireland put on a much-improved display before succumbing by 65 runs to the hosts and falling 2-0 behind in the three-match T20 international series.
The Girls in Green improved in most areas from Friday’s 105-run mauling in Cape Town but a couple of soft drops still proved expensive, as the home side and recent World Cup finalists racked up 201-5.
Left-armer Maguire showed what Ireland have been missing during her suspension for an illegal action, with The Hills spinner claiming the first three wickets to fall, including that of superstar Laura Wolvaardt who was caught behind for 22.
In reply, openers Gaby Lewis and Amy Hunter posted 33 in the powerplay without being separated but then both fell in the next over making way for Prendergast and Leah Paul to add 76 for the third wicket in 9.4 overs.
Paul’s inventive innings ended when she was bowled for 40 from only 29 balls but Prendergast, who hit Ireland’s only six, powered on to reach her half-century from 39 balls in the final over before Ireland ran out of road on 136-3.
