Gaby Lewis is hoping the visible progress Ireland have made during their tour of South Africa will result in a first victory in the final one-day international on Friday at the Wanderers in Johannesburg.

Despite losing the T20 series 2–0, with one game washed out, and both ODIs, the Ireland captain is upbeat about what her team have achieved, and with good reason.

It was always going to be a tall order to take on the World Cup finalists in their backyard but the Girls in Green have given a good account of themselves and improved in every game.

“We’re moving in the right direction which is a real positive, and hopefully we can get over the line in the final game,” Lewis said.

While Orla Prendergast’s 97 in the second ODI has been the highlight of the batting, Lewis was pleased with the way her line-up all approached a huge chase.

“Everyone who went out there was really aggressive and we took on their bowlers,” she said after Ireland had been bowled out for 301 — their fifth highest ODI total.

If there is one area that hasn’t impressed the skipper, it’s the recurring one of untidiness in the field. 

“We are creating chances but not taking them,” Lewis said, trying to put a positive spin on her side’s sloppiness.

“We move on to Johannesburg now and we really want to finish on a high.”