Namibia beat Ireland 3-2 in historic ODI series win

Namibia beat Ireland by five wickets in the fifth ODI in Windhoek on Sunday to win the five-match series 3-2, their first bilateral ODI series victory over a Full Member nation. The series was played at home, and the result is a boost for a side that co-hosts the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup with South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Ireland were dismissed for 129 in 33.1 overs, and Namibia replied with 131/5 in 21.2 overs. Seamer JJ Smith took 4/20 from nine overs and was named Player of the Match.

How the decider went

Smith and fellow seamer Jack Brassell shared seven wickets between them as Ireland folded. Opener Louren Steenkamp and captain Gerhard Erasmus steered the chase, with Erasmus making 30, according to the ICC.

Ireland captain Lorcan Tucker called it a disappointing day and credited Namibia for playing diligent cricket for longer periods.

A series that swung both ways

Ireland won the first ODI by 55 runs, and Namibia hit back with wins by 31 and 63 runs in the second and third. Ireland levelled the series with a 130-run win in the fourth, making 298/8 and bowling Namibia out for 168, with Jai Moondra taking 6/26.

Namibia took the decider, and Erasmus was named Player of the Series after scoring 263 runs and taking four wickets across the five matches.

Rankings and the road to 2027

Wisden reports that Namibia stayed 16th in the ICC men’s ODI rankings after gaining four rating points, while Ireland slipped from 12th to 13th.

The Daily Star reports that Ireland have already secured their place in the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier through their ODI rankings, while Namibia will likely have to earn theirs through the Qualifier Play-off.