Proteas have a good idea what awaits them in 1st T20 against Ireland

The Proteas get their tour to the United Kingdom underway on Friday when they face Ireland in the first of three T20 internationals in Dublin.

It's their first competitive cricket in two months following their semi-final loss to England at the World Cup in New Zealand in April. 

Head coach Hilton Moreeng says his side, who are without several veterans, are more than capable of handling the challenge posed by Ireland, even though they last faced six years ago. 

That resulted in drawn series (1-1), but Moreeng says Laura Wolvaardt, Trisha Chetty, Chloé Tryon, Suné Luus and Ayabonga Khaka, who all played six years ago, will have a decent knowledge base of the opposition and conditions. 

"The players know what is coming. Some of them have been here, so we more or less know what to expect, which is very good," Moreeng said.

"Some of the players were very young, and for them, they are really looking forward to this because it is something different now. They are coming back as much more matured and experienced players, so they are looking forward to test themselves. 

"The most important thing for us now is that yesterday's (Wednesday) session gave us a lot of information, and now we can see how we can put on one or two plans together heading into the last session before we make sure we are ready for tomorrow," he added. 

In T20 cricket, the Proteas hold a convincing record over Ireland, having won nine matches out of the 10 they have played.

Despite being firm favourites on paper, with South Africa ranked fifth while Ireland sits 12th on the ICC Women's T20 Rankings, Moreeng is not taking the opponent for granted.

"We know it's a team that plays well in their conditions, they received their ODI status, and as a team, they also want to