WINDHOEK, Namibia – Namibia has levelled the series at 1-1 after claiming a 31-run win today over Ireland in the second of a five-match ODI series.
After winning the toss and electing to bowl first, Ireland struck early with Byron McDonough having Louren van Steenkamp caught behind for a first ball duck. However, after removing Michael van Lingren for 22 the Irish side looked hopeful, but in at four strode Gerhard Erasmus. The Namibian captain struck a career-best 156 off 125 balls to dominate the Irish bowlers. He was ably supported by Jan Frylinck with 76 off 90 balls.
For Ireland, Gavin Hoey again claimed three wickets (3-53) and looked the most threatening, as the home side posted 321-6 off their 50 overs.
In response, Ireland began well with captain Paul Stirling (77) and Andrew Balbirnie (22) putting on 54 for the first wicket, however, wickets fell at regular intervals and the run chase never gained the momentum required to mount a serious challenge. George Dockrell (48) and Curtis Campher (45) gave some hope through the middle overs, and a 58-run partnership between Hoey (31) and Jai Moondra (20) added some late interest, but in the end the Namibian total proved a bridge too far and the five-match series is now levelled 1-1.
The two sides are back in action on Tuesday.
MATCH SUMMARY
Namibia Men v Ireland Men, 2nd ODI, Windhoek, 24 October 2026
Namibia 321-6 (50 overs; G Erasmus 156, J Frylinck 76; G Hoey 3-53)
Ireland 290 (47.3 overs; P Stirling 77)
Namibia Men won by 31 runs
