Namibia secured a 3-2 ODI series victory over Ireland with a five-wicket win in the fifth and final match in Windhoek. Ireland were bowled out for 129 in 33.1 overs, and Namibia chased the target in 21.2 overs to claim the series. JJ Smit's 4-20 decimated the Ireland batting order, while Jordan Neill top-scored with 33 off 25 balls.
Ireland captain Lorcan Tucker admitted his side had "learned a lot" from the experience, calling it a disappointing day. He said they did not rock up from a skills perspective and had a lot to reflect on going forward. Tim Tector fell for five in the second over, and Andrew Balbirnie was next for nine. Cade Carmichael began brightly before becoming the first of Jack Brassell's three victims.
Louren Steenkamp made 46 and Gerhard Erasmus contributed 30 as Namibia chased down the total. Matthew Humphreys took two wickets. Tucker praised Namibia's diligent cricket and said top-order batting and bowling through the middle periods were areas Ireland needed to sharpen.
With the Cricket World Cup qualifier in Namibia in February, the series served as preparation for Gary Wilson's side, though they failed to secure a victory against the hosts. Credit to Namibia, they played diligent cricket and did that for longer periods of time than Ireland, which is why they won the series today.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing