Third One-Day International, Windhoek
Namibia 316-7 (50 overs): Frylinck 126, Erasmus 54, Kruger 42, Volschenk 36; McBrine 2-53, Campher 2-68
Ireland 253 all out (44.5 overs): Campher 106; Scholtz 2-31, Trumpelmann 2-37, Brassell 2-72
Namibia won by 63 runs
Scorecard
Ireland fell 2-1 behind in their five-match one-day international series against Namibia after suffering a 63-run defeat in the third match at Windhoek on Tuesday.
A valiant century from Curtis Campher wasn’t enough for the visitors, who were bowled out for 253 while chasing Namibia’s substantial total of 316-7 in just 44.5 overs.
Ireland’s captain Paul Stirling missed the match entirely after sustaining a finger injury while fielding during Namibia’s innings.
Jan Frylinck was the standout performer for the home side, top-scoring with a magnificent 126 to anchor their innings.
The teams will face each other again on Friday and Sunday as Ireland continues its preparation for next year’s World Cup qualifiers.
After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, Namibia got off to a solid start with opener Louren Steenkamp contributing 13 before departing with the score at 33-1.
Malan Kruger (42) fell cheaply as Namibia reached 81-2, but a crucial third-wicket partnership of 101 runs between Frylinck and captain Gerhard Erasmus (54) steadied the ship and set the foundation for their imposing total.
Alex Volschenk added 36 valuable runs down the order, while Campher and Andy McBrine were the most effective Irish bowlers with two wickets each.
In their chase, Ireland found themselves struggling at 56-4, but Campher’s explosive 106 off 86 balls breathed life into their pursuit and made victory seem possible at one stage.
However, the Irish innings collapsed as wickets tumbled at regular intervals, with the team being bowled out with 31 balls still remaining in their allocated overs.
Bernard Scholtz, Ruben Trumpelmann, and Jack Brassell each claimed two wickets to help secure Namibia’s comprehensive victory.