Gaby Lewis restored some pride to Ireland with a hard-hitting half-century in their second ICC Championship clash against South Africa at Clontarf but the Girls in Green were again outclassed and beaten by nine wickets.

After scoring a duck when Ireland were bowled out for 69 in the first ODI, captain Lewis returned to the form that won her Player of the T20 series earlier in the month as she made 59 from 88 balls, including eight fours.

Sophie MacMahon gave impetus to the middle of the innings with six boundaries in a lively 42 from 38 balls while a more measured 45 not out from Georgina Dempsey took the home side to 213-8 from 50 overs.

The total proved inadequate against one of the world’s strongest teams, though, and only Dempsey managed to take a wicket before South Africa crossed the line with 11.2 overs to spare to secure the series 2-0 ahead of Friday’s final game.