IRELAND suffered last ball heartbreak as they lost to South Africa in the opening T20 International at Claremont Road.

South African skipper Dinesha Devnarain managed to get the three runs required to spark scenes of wild celebration in the South African camp, while in complete contrast the Irish were totally dejected.

It was a game Ireland looked to have been in control of for the most part as they batted positively to score 140 for 4. Former skipper Isobel Joyce top scored with an unbeaten 31, sharing an unbroken fifth wicket stand of 61 in 48 balls with vice-captain Kim Garth (30*).

Clare Shillington (30) and Shauna Kavanagh (20) were also among the runs as they shared a second wicket stand of 46 in 36 balls in an entertaining batting display.

Ireland kept the South African run chase in check pushing the required rate into double figures going into the final stages.

Mignon Du Preez kept the tourists in the hunt with a punchy half century, but her dismissal handed the initiative back to the Irish as 28 were needed from the last 15 balls.

However, South African's lower order got them over the line in a thrilling encounter. The Irish will reflect on a litany of missed opportunities - albeit in difficult conditions - having to deal with a wet ball in the blustery conditions.