South Africa Women vs Ireland Women, 3rd T20I

The South Africa Women and Ireland Women face off in the crucial 3rd T20I at Willowmoore Park as part of the Ireland Women tour of South Africa 2025. South Africa Women have shown dominant form throughout the series, being more experienced and having home advantage. Their aggressive batting lineup, led by players like Laura Wolvaardt and Marizanne Kapp, has been consistent, while the bowling attack, featuring the likes of Shabnim Ismail, has been effective at curbing Ireland’s scoring. Ireland Women, meanwhile, have struggled to keep pace but have displayed resilience, particularly through their captain and top-order batter Gaby Lewis and all-rounder Lara Maritz. Ireland’s bowling is hardworking but has lacked wickets at crucial junctures in the previous two matches. Head-to-head stats favor South Africa, who have historically outplayed Ireland in T20 internationals, especially on home turf. Tactically, South Africa might look to leverage powerplay overs aggressively to capitalize on field restrictions, while Ireland will need to focus on containment strategy and building partnerships to set or chase a competitive total. Fielding will play a key role, with South Africa’s sharper ground coverage expected to create pressure. Considering form, familiarity with conditions, and squad strength, South Africa Women enter this match as clear favorites, though Ireland’s fighting spirit could spark surprises if their key players click and bowling performs cohesively. #### AI suggested match winner South Africa Women: 65% Ireland Women: 35%

If South Africa Women bat first on Willowmoore Park’s pitch expected to offer good bounce and moderate assistance to pacers early on, they are likely to post a total in the range of 150-160 runs. Their batting depth and power hitters can capitalize on the short boundaries. Conversely, if Ireland Women take the crease first, considering their relatively modest batting form and pressure of chasing, their probable total should be around 130-140 runs. The conditions should allow the batting side to score at a decent clip but disciplined bowling will keep totals within this range.

Willowmoore Park traditionally offers a balanced pitch for T20 cricket — good bounce and pace early, easing stroke play for batters but with some encouragement to pace bowlers during the initial overs. Spin bowlers tend to get some turn as the game progresses. The ground’s average first-innings score in women’s T20Is hovers around 145 runs, with teams batting first winning 55% of matches. Weather forecast for the day is clear skies and mild temperatures, perfect for cricket with no interruptions expected. Top performers on this ground between these teams include Marizanne Kapp, who recorded a 4-wicket haul in the previous encounter here, and Gaby Lewis, who holds the highest individual score for Ireland at this venue. Best bowling figures are by Shabnim Ismail, while Laura Wolvaardt boasts the highest batting average at Willowmoore Park in women’s matches between these sides.

Matches Played	South Africa Women Wins	Ireland Women Wins
10	8	2

Team Recent Performance

Team	Last 5 Matches
South Africa Women	W, W, L, W, W
Ireland Women	L, L, W, L, L

Laura Wolvaardt - She has been in fine form with the bat, consistently anchoring innings and scoring at a healthy strike rate in recent matches.

Marizanne Kapp - A key all-rounder for South Africa, Kapp’s ability to pick wickets and contribute crucial runs makes her vital to the team’s success.

Shabnim Ismail - The frontline pacer with experience and bounce, effective in early overs to take wickets and stifle scoring.

Gaby Lewis - Ireland’s top batter and captain, leading from the front with steady scores, providing Ireland their best chances with the bat.

Lara Maritz - An impactful all-rounder, contributing useful runs and wickets, she has been one of Ireland’s more consistent performers this series.

Orla Prendergast - A useful middle-order option for Ireland, capable of accelerating the innings and handy with the ball.