Wolvaardt century seals series sweep as Proteas Women cruise past Ireland in Joburg

Captain Laura Wolvaardt once again showed her class, smashing a superb century to underline another dominant Proteas performance under the lights in Johannesburg.

Ireland's 205, posted in 46 overs after choosing to bat, never looked enough on a surface offering little assistance. Nonkululeko Mlaba's excellent figures of 4-33 led the South African attack, while Tumi Sekhukhune chipped in with 2-27.

A superb diving catch from Wolvaardt at extra cover removed Amy Hunter early to set the tone, and although Gaby Lewis’ half-century (64 off 80) offered resistance, Ireland struggled to lift their scoring rate. When the final five wickets tumbled for just 13 late on, their total looked well short of a competitive mark.

In reply, Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits raced to a 50-run stand inside seven overs before Brits departed for 26, edging behind off Arlene Kelly. But Wolvaardt continued to command proceedings, moving to her 39th ODI half-century.

Karabo Meso was elevated in the order, but the teenager was dismissed for 17 via a stumping off Aimee Maguire. Sune Luus (25 off 23) kept the scoreboard ticking before she was caught behind the stumps, and Dane van Niekerk added 10 before Kelly struck again.

The minor wobble was quickly settled as Faye Tunnicliffe joined Wolvaardt to see out the chase without any major alarms. 

The single that carried the South African captain to three figures also confirmed the victory and 3-0 sweep, as Wolvaardt and the Proteas Women closed out the year in fine style.