Proteas Women's Van Niekerk promises exciting finish ahead of third ODI

Proteas Women’s all-rounder Dane van Niekerk has promised an exciting contest in the third and final ODI in Johannesburg later this week, following the team’s 74-run victory in Gqeberha on Tuesday.

The Proteas Women delivered a clinical performance in the second ODI against the Irish at St George’s Park, securing an unassailable 2–0 series lead with one match remaining. Van Niekerk scored 88 at home, while captain Laura Wolvaardt (124) and Sune Luus (111) starred with the bat, helping the Proteas Women post 375/6.

Van Niekerk praised her teammates for their efforts.

“It’s always nice to clinch a series with a game to go. I think the batting was fantastic. We speak about pushing that 400 mark all the time,” she said.

“I think 370-odd on a wicket like that — a bit slower, not the Highveld — is a box tick, close to 400. Very proud of our skipper. She’s been leading the way with the runs, and Sune has been in incredible form as well, not just with the bat, but with the ball and in the field. So, a great day out for them.”

While the Proteas Women won the match, the bowling was not as strong. Youngsters Leah Jones (3/48), Eliz-Mari Marx (1/53) and Miane Smit (2/40) led the attack in the absence of rested senior bowlers Ayabonga Khaka, Marizanne Kapp and Nonkululeko Mlaba. Ireland Women reached 301 — their highest-ever ODI score.

“The bowling, I think we need to sharpen up. Yes, we are short of our senior bowlers, and it was a bit disappointing,” Van Niekerk said.

“We bowled both sides of the wicket — short, full. Wolvaardt couldn’t quite set a field for the bowlers, which made it hard. Ireland getting 300 is history made as well.

"It was good cricket on display — we just spoke about 680-odd runs on the day. Still a good addition for women’s cricket. And the crowd was fantastic as well.”

Van Niekerk played her first international game in her hometown since returning to the national side and was warmly welcomed by fans, friends and family at St George’s Park.

“(Gqeberha) always brings a vibe, with the band and everything. It was nice. It was a pretty good crowd, considering the holidays. Just blessed to have family and friends here — nice to see the turnout,” she said.

“We’ve seen it throughout the series, in the T20s and the ODIs. The last one at Wanderers — fans must rock up and enjoy some really good cricket from the Proteas.”

The third and final ODI is scheduled for Johannesburg on Friday (starts 2pm).

SCORECARD

SOUTH AFRICA 375/6

Wolvaardt 124, Luus 114, Van Niekerk 88; J Maguire 3/75, A Maguire 2/69

IRELAND 301 all out (47.5 overs)

Prendergast 97, Hunter 64; Jones 3/75, Smit 2/40

The Proteas won by 74 runs and lead three-match series 2-0