Ireland Women's first match in the Women's Championship couldn't have gone much worse, as they were bundled out for 69 by South Africa to lose by nine wickets.

The Irish were soon in trouble after electing to bat first, with skipper Lewis getting in a tangle attempting to pull pace bowler Shabnim Aslam, departing for 0, and was quickly followed by Leah Paul, and Rachel Delaney.

At 4 for 3, there would have been real fears that the Girls In Green would have been dismissed for their lowest ODI total - 46 against Australia in 2001. When Mary Waldron was trapped lbw shortly afterwards, that looked very much a distinct possibility.

They were thankfully saved that ignominy, thanks to a 21-run stand between Shauna Kavanagh (15) - playing in her 100th match - and Sophie MacMahon.

Wickets though continued to fall, and it took a spirited unbeaten 19 from teenager Georgina Dempsey, including three consecutive boundaries off Shabnim Ismail in an entertaining cameo.

Jane Maguire and Cara Murray however both fell in quick succession to leave Dempsey stranded, Ireland 69 all out, with both Ismail and skipper Sune Luus taking 3 for 16.

A target of 70 was never going to cause much concern, and despite Dempsey dismissing Laura Wolvaardt (8) cheaply, the result was never in any doubt.

Lara Goodall hit five boundaries in her unbeaten 32, sharing an unbroken second wicket partnership of 55 with Andrie Steyn (21*) as they secured the win in the 16th over.

Ireland will have a chance to level the series when the sides meet again on Tuesday at the same venue.