Namibia Beat Ireland by 63 Runs to Take 2-1 Series Lead

Namibia beat Ireland by 63 runs in the third one-day international in Windhoek on 27 October, moving 2-1 ahead in the five-match series. A one-day international, or ODI, is a 50-over match for each side.

Namibia won the toss and chose to bat first. They made 316 for 7 in their 50 overs, according to the BBC. Jan Frylinck top-scored with 126, and Gerhard Erasmus added 54. The pair shared a 101-run stand for the third wicket, which is the partnership between two batters who keep the innings moving after an early wicket falls.

Ireland's reply struggled from the start. They were 56 for 4 at one stage, and the required rate, the average runs needed per over, kept climbing. Curtis Campher then went on to make 106 off 86 balls, a century that gave the chase some life. Ireland were bowled out for 253 in 44.5 overs, 63 runs short of the target of 317.

Namibia's bowlers shared the wickets. Bernard Scholtz took 2-31, Ruben Trumpelmann took 2-37 and Jack Brassell took 2-72. For Ireland, Andy McBrine took 2-53 and Campher also took 2-68 with the ball.

Ireland captain Paul Stirling did not bat after hurting his finger while fielding. His availability for future matches has not been confirmed.

The series has swung back and forth. Ireland won the first ODI by 55 runs, then Namibia won the second by 31 runs to level the series at 1-1. Namibia's win in Windhoek on Monday's date of 27 October gives them the lead with two matches still to play.

For Namibia, the win came from a strong top order and a bowling attack that kept taking wickets when Ireland looked set. For Ireland, Campher's century was the highlight of a chase that had looked far away at 56 for 4. Ireland now need to win both remaining matches to take the series, while Namibia need only one more win to make sure of it.