South Africa Women levelled the T20 international series with Ireland after a comfortable eight wickets win in Pembroke last night.

After the excitement of Ireland’s victory in the first game, this game went to the form book as the world ranked number five side hit back to restrict their hosts to 106 for seven and knocked off the runs in 15 overs.

Ireland’s lack of power hitting was exposed again with only three boundaries in the last 11 overs after the loss of skipper Gaby Lewis for 31 and they didn’t help themselves in the field.

Needing a positive start in defence of such a low total, the first over cost 13 which included a no-ball and an overthrow and then two catches were spilled.

After Arlene Kelly made the breakthrough, Aneka Bosch was dropped second ball – she went on to finish 32 not out – and Cara Murray should have had top scorer Lara Goodall caught at cover on 27. The opening batter went to score 52, finally dismissed with the Proteas just six short of victory.

The deciding game in the series takes place tomorrow.

Scores: Ireland Women 106-7 (G Lewis 32, M Waldron 24; T Sekhukune 2-17, N De Klerk 2-26) South Africa Women 107-2 (15 overs, L Goodall 52, A Bosch 32 not out). South Africa won by 8 wickets.