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Ireland moved to the top of the InterContinental Cup table after completing an innings win over Namibia in Windhoek.
FINAL SCORECARD

The hosts’ 8th wicket pair of JJ Smit and Zane Green had defied the Irish attack for 18 overs to take the game into a fourth day, and their resistance continued on the final morning.

They had extended their partnership to 80 in 201 balls when Paul Stirling (2-27) had Smit (45) well caught by skipper William Porterfield at silly mid-off.

George Dockrell (3-55) finished the game in the following over as he first had Zane Green (35) smartly caught by Ed Joyce at second slip, then trapped Christopher Coombe first ball as Namibia were dismissed for 212.

Following today’s win, captain William Porterfield, whose 186 was his highest ever score, said, “It was great to come here and get the 20 points we desired. For the bowlers to go out there and take 20 wickets on a very good pitch and to win the game with over two sessions to spare was a great effort. Also a special mention to Ed Joyce on scoring his second double hundred in as many matches in the competition to set up the win.”

Joyce recorded his second consecutive double hundred in the InterContinental Cup to put Ireland in a commanding position on Day Two, but he was keen to praise the work of the whole team, “We couldn’t have started the tournament any better with two innings victories against two good sides.

“The bowlers deserve a huge amount of credit for taking 20 wickets on what was a very flat surface and our aim was to bat once which we also achieved. All in all, a thoroughly professional performance and we move onto our next challenge against PNG with a lot of confidence.”

That match against PNG will take place in the early part of next year, and Tim Murtagh, stand out performer with the ball yesterday taking 4-16, is looking forward to Ireland’s next challenge, “It was an impressive team performance all round on a good wicket; we’re happy to finish a long hard season off in style to stay 100% in this competition.

“The time off from Zimbabwe A game gave me a chance to work on a few technical parts to my bowling and recharge the batteries after a tough ODI series. I’m looking forward to a break from the game for a month then hitting PNG hard early next year.”

ICC InterContinental Cup,

At Windhoek Country Club, Final Scorecard

NAMIBIA 251 AND 212 all out (78.5 overs, JP Kotze 48, JJ Smit 45, Z Green 35, S Burger 34, G Snyman 31, T Murtagh 4-18, G Dockrell 3-55, P Stirling 2-27.)

IRELAND 570/6 dec (128 overs, E Joyce 205*, W Porterfield 186, J Mooney 53*, K O’Brien 45*, S Poynter 33, G Wilson 25, S Burger 2-73, C Coombe 2-92)

Ireland beat Namibia by an innings and 107 runs

Watch full video highlights of all the action so far – including Porterfield & Joyce’s mammoth partnership – exclusively on www.cricketireland.ie by clicking here.

The winning moment ©Cricket Ireland
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