Namibia beat Ireland 3-2 to win maiden bilateral ODI series
Namibia secured a five-wicket win in the decider at Windhoek to clinch their first bilateral ODI series against a Full Member nation.
Namibia defeated Ireland by five wickets in Windhoek on November 1, 2026, winning the five-match ODI series 3-2. J.J. Smith took 4/20 and Gerhard Erasmus scored 30 as Ireland were bowled out for 129.
Key takeaways
- Namibia won their first bilateral ODI series against a Full Member nation
- Namibia beat Ireland 3-2 in the five-match series
- Ireland were bowled out for 129 in the decider
- J.J. Smith took 4/20 and was Player of the Match
- Gerhard Erasmus made 30 and was Player of the Series with 263 runs and four wickets
Namibia won their first bilateral ODI series against a Full Member nation, beating Ireland by five wickets in the series decider in Windhoek on November 1, 2026, The Hindu reported. The result gave Namibia a 3-2 victory in the five-match ODI series on home soil.
Match details
J. Smith and Jack Brassell shared seven wickets between them to bowl Ireland out for 129, according to The Hindu. Only four Ireland batters reached double figures.
In response, opener Louren Steenkamp scored 42 while captain Gerhard Erasmus made 30 to guide Namibia to a comfortable five-wicket victory. Smith earned the Player of the Match award in the series decider for his economical spell of 4/20 in nine overs.
Series context
Erasmus was named Player of the Series after accumulating 263 runs and claiming four wickets across the five matches. Namibia created history on Sunday by securing their first-ever bilateral ODI series victory against a Full Member nation, NDTV Sports said.
World Cup implications
The win boosts Namibia's preparations for next year's ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, which they will co-host alongside South Africa and Zimbabwe. Ireland have already booked their place at next year's ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Qualifier courtesy of their spot on the ICC Men's ODI Team Rankings, while Namibia will likely have to earn their position via the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Qualifier Play-off.
Reaction
Ireland captain Lorcan Tucker said, as per the ICC website: "Obviously, it was a disappointing day for us. 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. "
Namibia's series decider figures
Player | Role | Figures |
|---|---|---|
J.J. Smith | Bowler | 4/20 in nine overs |
Gerhard Erasmus | Captain | 30 runs |
Louren Steenkamp | Opener | 42 runs |
Ireland | Team | 129 all out |
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