Ireland Women held their nerve to clinch a deserved ten-run win in the first match of their T20I series against South Africa at Sydney Parade.

Both sides were missing  high profile players, but the Irish made light of their absences to produce a fine all-round performance.

New skipper Gaby Lewis took charge of a side that handed T20 debuts to bowlers Arlene Kelly and Jane Maguire.

Gaby Lewis 50: Pic Rodney Smythe

Lewis - the youngest Irish captain in its 167 year history - showed no signs of nerves as she got her team off to the ideal start.

The YMCA batter top scored with 52 (8 fours) as she and Leah Paul (47) shared an opening stand of 98 in 12 overs, taking advantage of a South Africa side that looked rusty and lethargic, with some of their ground fielding well short of international standard.

The visitors did battle back in the final eight overs to restrict Ireland to 143 for 7, but on a slow pitch, there was the feeling it was slightly above par.

Leah Paul made 47: Pic Rodney Smythe

Indeed that proved the case as the Irish got their start off to a flyer, with Rachel Delaney dismissing Lara Goodall first ball on the way to a wicket maiden - never to be used again!

The required rate kept creeping up as the Irish chipped away with wickets at vital times.

Ed Joyce's young charges always looked in charge until the arrival of Chloe Tryon, who clubbed 26 off 15 balls, and suddenly the dynamic of the match altered.

However, Player of the Match Leah Paul bowled Tryon, and with Arlene Kelly bowling tightly, the win was secured.

Arlene Kelly took two wickets on debut: Pic Rodney Smythe

The teams meet again on Monday at the same venue in the second match of the series (4.30pm)