Ireland showed flashes of promise but were unable to build on as South Africa underlined their depth and experience with a seven-wicket victory in the opening One-Day International of the three-match series.

After winning the toss, visiting captain Gaby Lewis elected to bat. A delayed start due to a wet outfield reduced the game to 47-over affair. Irish openers Lewis and Sarah Forbes moved steadily into a solid 45-run stand with the hosts holding the leash on the run rate.

Forbes (42) was the more fluent of the pair, drove crisply through the covers and worked the ball neatly behind point, while Lewis (14) adopted a more patient approach, clearly intent on building a longer innings. Just as the partnership began to gather pace, Lewis was undone by an inswinging delivery from Tumi Sekhukhune that pitched on a length and turned past her bat, leaving her visibly surprised to be bowled.

Amy Hunter (32) brought immediate intent to the crease, on a slow, low surface, she pulled the ball off the front foot to get of the mark and display evidence of taking the attack to the bowlers. Hunter and Forbes added 48 for the second wicket, but from a strong position at 93 for 1, Ireland’s innings faltered. A collapse of 4 for 46 left the visitors scrambling to regain control.

Orla Prendergast (28) and Laura Delany (21) both made starts, but weren't able convert those into substantial contributions hurting Ireland’s hopes of building surging towards the back end of the innings. Rebecca Stokell (39*) did her best to finish the innings strongly, but 209 for 7 after 47 overs felt below par given sedate start.

South Africa’s reply began briskly, led by their skipper Laura Wolvaardt, who struck a rapid 31 from just 24 balls, including six boundaries. Wolvaardt's supreme quality made it appear she was batting on a different surface altogether until Prendergast provided Ireland with the breakthrough. Proteas captain was caught at first slip by Cara Murray following an umpire review, a decision that left the South African captain visibly frustrated.

At 79 for 1, the hosts were cruising, but Ireland briefly wrestled back momentum through Murray (2–34), who struck twice in quick succession. Louisa Goodall was caught and bowled by the leg-spinner, before Tasmin Brits was held by Delany at long-off, reducing South Africa to 86 for 3 and offering Ireland a glimmer of hope.

That hope was short-lived. Sune Luus (66*) and Miane Smit (56*) combined with composure, authority and class steering South Africa home in the 37th over to seal a comfortable seven-wicket win.

South Africa now lead the series 1–0, with two matches remaining. The second ODI will be played on Tuesday in Gqeberha.