Erasmus century powers Namibia to series-leveling win over Ireland
Gerhard Erasmus struck an unbeaten career-best 156 and took the final two wickets as Namibia defeated Ireland by 31 runs in Windhoek, drawing their five-match ODI series level at 1-1.
2026-10-27
Gerhard Erasmus produced a career-best unbeaten 156 with the bat before claiming the last two wickets, steering Namibia to a 31-run victory over Ireland in Windhoek and levelling the five-match one-day international series at 1-1.
Namibia, sent in after Ireland captain Paul Stirling won the toss, posted 321-6 from their 50 overs. Erasmus’ 156 not out came from 125 deliveries, surpassing his previous highest ODI score of 125, while Jan Frylinck provided valuable support with 76 from 90 balls.
The hosts’ innings gathered momentum late in the day, with Ireland’s attack struggling particularly during the closing overs. Byron McDonough removed a batter with the first delivery of his spell but finished with 1-71, while Curtis Campher took 1-74 from his 10 overs. Spinner Gavin Hoey was Ireland’s most effective bowler, claiming 3-53.
Ireland needed 322 to win and made a positive start through Stirling, whose 77 from 71 balls continued his improved form in the series. It was his second half-century of the contest.
However, Stirling’s dismissal, leg before wicket to Jack Brassell, triggered a damaging collapse. Ireland lost three wickets for six runs, putting the chase under significant pressure. Brassell led Namibia’s attack with 4-52, also dismissing Lorcan Tucker, George Dockrell and Campher.
The visitors then threatened an unlikely recovery through a ninth-wicket partnership worth 58 between Hoey and Jai Moondra. Moondra made 20 before Erasmus caught and bowled him, leaving Ireland’s lower order with too much ground to cover.
Erasmus then completed the victory by taking the final wicket, as Ireland were bowled out for 290 in 47.3 overs. The result gave Namibia a strong response after Ireland won the opening match on Wednesday, with the series now evenly poised.
Namibia were again without leading seamer Mark Adair, while Ireland’s preparations continue ahead of next year’s World Cup qualifiers. The third match of the series will be played in Windhoek on Tuesday.