Du Preez century guides South Africa to victory

MIGNON DU PREEZ scored an unbeaten 116 as South Africa's women beat Ireland by 64 runs in the second ODI of their four-game series at Claremont Road on Sunday.

The former skipper struck 13 boundaries in her 98 ball innings which helped her side rack up an imposing 272 for 6.

She shared stands of 75 ​for the second wicket with Trisha Chetty (49), and 89 in just 78 balls for the 6th with Chloe Tryon, who hit five fours and a six in a typically belligerent 53 from just 45 balls.

Chetty and Laura Wolvaardt (35) had both struck five boundaries in an opening partnership of 65 to give their team a perfect platform.

Leg-spinner Ciara Metcalfe (2-40) was the best of the Irish attack, while medium pacer Lucy O'Reilly also picked up a brace - taking wickets in successive balls to finish with 2-66.

The Irish reply started badly and at 55 for 5, the contest was effectively over. Clare Shillington hit a powerful 41 from just 36 balls (3 fours), while Mary Waldron (42) shepherded the lower order to get Ireland over the 200 mark.

For South Africa there were two wickets apiece for Masabata Klass (2-6), Sune Luus (2-47), and Yolani Fourie (2-55).