Namibia overpower Ireland in series decider

JJ Smit took four wickets as Namibia set themselves a target of just 129

Fifth one-day international, Windhoek

Ireland 129 (33.1 overs): J Neill 33 (25); JJ Smit 4-20

Namibia 131-5 (21.2 overs): L Steenkamp 46 (44); M Humphreys 2-48

Namibia won by five wickets and win series 3-2

Ireland fell to a five-wicket defeat in the fifth and final one-day international as Namibia claimed a 3-2 series win in Windhoek.

The visitors were all-out for 129 after 33.1 overs with Namibia surpassing that target in 21.2 overs.

With next year’s Cricket World Cup qualifier taking place in the southern Africa nation in February, this series was ideal preparation for Gary Wilson’s side.

They may not have managed to come away with a victory against the hosts, but captain Lorcan Tucker accepts his side will have “learned a lot” from their experience.

“Obviously, it was a disappointing day for us,” he said.

“We came here today excited about the opportunities with the series on the line, but I don’t think we quite rocked up from a skills perspective.

“We have learned a lot, but I think we’ve a lot to reflect on going forward.”

Brassell and Smit decimate Ireland’s attack

Ireland won the toss and opted to bat, but the tone was set early when they lost Tim Tector for five in the second over.

Andrew Balbirnie was next to fall for nine and while Cade Carmichael began brightly, he became the first of Jack Brassell’s three victims as Ireland’s innings began to creak.

Harry Tector and Tucker offered some resistance, and while Jordan Neill’s 33 off 25 balls spared some blushes, he too was removed by Brassell.

JJ Smit decimated the Ireland batting order with four wickets for just 20 runs as the hosts were set a more than achievable target.

Although Jai Moondra removed Michael van Lingen for 15 in the seventh over, his opening partner Louren Steenkamp reached 44 before being run out by Matthew Humphreys, who took two further wickets of his own.

However, a 30 by Gerhard Erasmus kept Namibia’s tally on track and while the skipper was bowled by Humphries, the hosts were able to cross the line with plenty to spare.

“Top-order batting and bowling through the middle period of the innings, I think Namibia gave us a good lesson in terms of how to do those things successfully,” Tucker added.

“I think we brought the required intensity, but those skills need to sharpen up a little bit.

“Credit to Namibia, they played diligent cricket and did that for longer periods of time than us – that’s why they won the series today.”

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