Shillington stars as Ireland beat South Africa

IRELAND avenged Monday's heartbreaking loss with a 20 run victory over South Africa in their second T20 International at Claremont Road.

Clare Shillington's powerful 48 at the top of the order set up the win as she and teenager Gaby Lewis (26) shared a run-a-ball opening stand of 78.

Shillington struck six fours and cleared the ropes once in her 41 ball innings, before being run out by a direct hit - one of four in the innings.

The dismissal saw boundaries dry up as South Africa squeezed the Irish in the final stages, restricting them to what looked a slightly under-par 115 for 6 at the half-way stage.

However, Ireland responded magnificently with a disciplined bowling display backed up by a determined fielding effort.

Louise McCarthy (1-15) returned to the fold with a super display, getting the early breakthrough, while Isobel Joyce (1-22) gained the key wicket of Mignon Du Preez.

Trisha Chetty top scored with 28, before becoming one of four run-outs for the buoyant Irish.

Kim Garth (2-12) kept things tight, while Gaby Lewis (1-4) and Lucy O'Reilly (1-27) were the other wicket takers in a fully deserved win for an Irish team which showed great character and resilience.