Ireland Women threw away a commanding start as their batting frailties were cruelly exposed by South Africa in the deciding T20I at Pembroke.

Is it a surprise though?

Ireland have struggled for years to set totals above 120 in the shortest format, and watching the series it's clear where the problems lie.

They don't score enough boundaries, especially out of the powerplays.

Their range of strokes is limited, with many favouring  the legside. Of their 104 total, just 36 were scored in front of the wicket, with 19 on the off-side - by contrast South Africa hit 87 of their 108.

Of the 12 players used in this series, the average age was 24, the number of T20I caps 23. Ireland missing a number of experienced and crucial first-team players.

The T20I batting averages when added up make 97 - with extras added, this means a likely total of 100-110 which happened in the second and third games.

Of the 12 batters, only Gaby Lewis has a strike rate of above 100 - 111.81 to be exact. She is the Paul Stirling equivalent of the men's team. She has to bat for the majority of the Irish innings if they are to get the 130-40 needed to have a chance against the top sides.

Player of the Series Gaby Lewis: Pic Oisin Keniry

Challenges ahead then for the coaching set-up, but I've every confidence that Ed Joyce will be the man to broaden their repertoire of shots, and a professional structure will no doubt improve the power needed to clear the ropes.

IRELAND WOMEN T20I STRIKE RATES

• Gaby Lewis 111.81
• Rachel Delaney 100.00
• Celeste Raack 100.00
• Sophie MaMahon 91.66
• Shauna Kavanagh 83.75
• Leah Paul 81.42
• Mary Waldron 79.69
• Cara Murray 75.00
• Arlene Kelly 57.14
• Sarah Forbes 57.14
• Georgina Dempsey 50.00
• Jane Maguire 16.66