South Africa: 375-6 (50 overs)

(Laura Wolvaardt 124 (111), Sune Luus 114 (113); Jane Maguire 3-75)

Ireland: 301 all out (47.5 overs)

(Orla Prendergast 97 (86), Amy Hunter 64 (66); Leah Jones 3-48)

South Africa won by 74 runs.

At one point Ireland's star all-rounder Orla Prendergast on Tuesday threatened to scale down mount 375 as she pursued history in Gqeberha, giving the visitors and outside hope when there was none.

However, with her falling just shy of a well-deserved century, South Africa were able to wrap up the second ODI swiftly.

South Africa scored their highest total in ODIs enroute securing the three-match ODI series with a resounding 74-run victory over Ireland in the second One-Day International at St George's Park. The ODI World Cup runners up continued their dominance winning the fourth white-ball match on the trot against the visitors.

Electing to bat after winning the toss, the Proteas displayed their class and played with fearlessness, led by centuries from skipper Laura Wolvaardt and Sune Luus. Wolvaardt struck a commanding 124 (111), marking her 12th ODI century, and being awarded Player of the Match for her efforts.

Luus complemented her captain's efforts with a polished 114 from 113 deliveries, dictating the game with composure and class, joined by Dane van Niekerk who produced a scintillating knock with a rapid 88 from just 47 balls to power the Proteas to 375 for 6 in their 50 overs.

Her explosive contribution proved crucial in propelling South Africa to a new ODI batting record for the Proteas.

Ireland's bowlers struggled to find their rhythm on a surface that favored the batters, with the exception of Jane Maguire who finished with figures of 3-75 the best from a disappointing bowling effort. 

Chasing a monumental total, Ireland opener Sarah Forbes fell for a duck in the opening over. However, captain Gaby Lewis 45 (52) and Amy Hunter 64 (66) steadied the ship and prevented a collapse.

Prendergast, played a historic innings, crafting 97 runs off just 86 balls, demonstrating remarkable technique and determination in a high-pressure chase. Her dismissal, just three runs shy of what would have made her the first Irish woman to record two ODI centuries, proved a pivotal moment in Ireland's chase. 

Prendergast and Hunter put up a 93-run partnership, despite the loss of quick wickets, Ireland never surrendered completely. Leah Paul provided valuable support in the middle order scoring 36 (36), Ireland eventually managed 301 in 47.5 overs, their fifth time crossing the 300-run mark, the first in a losing cause.

South Africa now hold an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. The second ODI displayed Ireland's growing competitiveness, as they head into the third match with plenty of positives in the batting department with key players playing long knocks.