Gaby Lewis will be looking for an improved performance from her Ireland team in tomorrow’s second one-day international after suffering a seven-wicket defeat by South Africa on Saturday in the first of their three-match one-day international series.

Coming in the wake of two heavy T20 losses, the Girls in Green would have travelled from East London to Gqeberha, formerly known as Port Elizabeth, fully aware of the task that lies ahead of them if they are to even get close to beating the recent World Cup runners-up in the two remaining games.

While a shock victory over a strong home side will probably remain elusive, the learning curve will be invaluable, and Sarah Forbes was the latest to benefit from the exposure to elite opponents on Saturday with a solid top score of 42 from 80 balls.

The 23-year-old Pembroke right-hander rarely attracts the headlines but she is making stready progress and has forged a solid opening partnership with skipper Lewis in ODIs.

The Ireland top five Ireland all got starts, and Rebecca Stokell weighed in with 39 not out at the death, but a modest total of 209-7 was never likely to trouble South Africa and so it proved as they romped in with 10.1 overs to spare.

Leg-spinner Cara Murray was the pick of the Ireland bowlers, taking 2-34 from six overs.