Ireland lose two Twenty20 international games to South Africa

Ireland's women cricketers recently won the European championships

There was disappointment for Ireland's women as they lost back-to-back Twenty20 international games to South Africa in Solihull on Tuesday.

Skipper Isobel Joyce took 3-16 as South Africa were restricted to 127-5 in the first encounter but the Irish slumped to 71 all out, losing by 56 runs.

In the afternoon game, half centuries from Mignon du Preez and Trisha Chetty helped South Africa post 161-5.

Ireland produced an improved innings of 115-8 but still lost by 46 runs.

Teenager Kim Garth backed up the performance of her captain by taking 2-33 in the first match at Moseley Cricket Club, but a poor batting display ended the Irish hopes.

Isobel Joyce (18) and twin sister Cecelia (17) were the only batters to make any impression.

In the second match, Du Preez (69) struck 12 fours and a six in her 42 ball innings, while Chetty made a fluent 53 as the pair added 103 for the third wicket.

The Irish batting was more solid second time around and Clare Shillington top-scored with a run-a-ball 31, while keeper Mary Waldron also impressed with a knock of 28.

The South African attack bowled very well, with Sune Luus and Ayabonga Khaka taking four wickets apiece.

The teams meet again on Wednesday at the same venue in the third and final game of the series.

Trent Johnston's Ireland team recently won the European Championships, having earlier won the ECB Division Two T20 Cup.

The games are Johnston's last games with the side, as he is taking up a coaching post with New South Wales.