Key points
- Namibia beat Ireland by five wickets in the fifth ODI in Windhoek on November 1, 2026, to win the five-match series 3-2.
- Ireland were bowled out for 129 in 33.1 overs after choosing to bat first.
- JJ Smit took 4/20 in nine overs and Jack Brassell claimed 3/15 as Namibia’s pace attack shared seven wickets.
- Namibia chased 130, reaching 131/5 in 21.2 overs with 172 balls remaining.
- Louren Steenkamp top-scored with 46 and captain Gerhard Erasmus made 30 in the chase.
- Gerhard Erasmus was named Player of the Series after scoring 263 runs and taking four wickets across the series; JJ Smit was Player of the Match in the decider.
Namibia scripted a landmark moment in their cricket history by defeating Ireland by five wickets in the fifth and final ODI in Windhoek on Sunday, November 1, 2026. The result sealed a 3-2 series victory and gave Namibia their first bilateral men’s ODI series triumph over an ICC Full Member nation. The hosts chased down a target of 130 in just 21.2 overs after their bowlers dismissed Ireland for 129.
Smith and Brassell lead the bowling effort
Ireland won the toss and elected to bat, but Namibia’s seamers quickly took control of the decider. JJ Smit delivered the decisive spell, finishing with 4/20 from nine overs, while Jack Brassell claimed 3/15. Their combined seven wickets left Ireland unable to build a competitive total.
Ireland were bowled out for 129 in 33.1 overs. The visitors lost wickets at regular intervals and only four batters reached double figures. Jordan Neill top-scored with 33, while Curtis Campher contributed 27. The innings never recovered from the pressure created by Namibia’s pace attack.
Smit’s four-wicket haul earned him the Player of the Match award. Brassell’s contribution was equally important in keeping Ireland below 130, leaving Namibia with a modest target in a match that would decide the series.
Steenkamp and Erasmus guide the chase
Namibia began the pursuit positively and kept the required rate under control. Louren Steenkamp led the scoring with 46, providing the main contribution at the top of the order. Captain Gerhard Erasmus added 30, helping the hosts move close to the target before the lower order completed the job.
Namibia reached 131/5 in 21.2 overs, winning by five wickets with 172 balls remaining. The chase included a few wickets, but Ireland could not create enough pressure to make the target difficult. Zane Green struck the winning six as the home side celebrated a historic result in front of its supporters.
Erasmus was named Player of the Series after finishing the five-match contest with 263 runs and four wickets. His performances included a commanding unbeaten 156 in the second ODI, when Namibia posted 321/6 and won by 31 runs.
How the five-match series unfolded
Ireland took the opening match on October 22, winning by 55 runs after scoring 229/9 and bowling Namibia out for 174. Namibia responded in the second ODI on October 24. Erasmus’ unbeaten 156, supported by Jan Frylinck’s 76, helped the hosts reach 321/6. Ireland made 290, leaving Namibia with a 31-run victory.
Namibia then moved ahead in the series by winning the third ODI on October 27. They scored 316/7, with Frylinck making 126, before dismissing Ireland for 253 to win by 63 runs. That gave the hosts a 2-1 lead and put them one victory away from the series.
Ireland forced a decider in the fourth match on October 30. They scored 298/8 and then bowled Namibia out for 168, winning by 130 runs to level the series at 2-2. The final match therefore became a direct contest for the trophy, with Namibia delivering their most complete performance of the series.
A milestone against a Full Member nation
Cricket Namibia described the result as the country’s first-ever men’s ODI series victory over an ICC Full Member nation on home soil. The five-match contest was also the first-ever men’s ODI series between Namibia and Ireland, giving the achievement added significance for the hosts.
The result offers Namibia encouragement as they build towards the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, which will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. The ICC noted that Ireland have already secured a place in the 2027 World Cup Qualifier through their position in the ODI rankings, while Namibia are likely to pursue qualification through the Qualifier Play-off.
For Namibia, the series win was built on contributions across the squad rather than a single performance. Erasmus supplied major runs and useful wickets, Frylinck produced a defining century, and the pace attack delivered in the decisive match. Beating a Full Member side over five ODIs marks an important step for the team as they seek to establish themselves more consistently in international cricket.
Frequently asked questions
What was the result of the Namibia vs Ireland ODI series in 2026?
Namibia won the five-match ODI series 3-2 after beating Ireland by five wickets in the final match in Windhoek on November 1, 2026. The result marked Namibia’s first bilateral men’s ODI series victory over an ICC Full Member nation.
How did Namibia beat Ireland in the fifth ODI?
Ireland were bowled out for 129 in 33.1 overs. Namibia then reached 131/5 in 21.2 overs to win by five wickets, with 172 balls remaining. JJ Smit took four wickets and Jack Brassell took three to set up the chase.
Who was the Player of the Series in Namibia vs Ireland?
Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus was named Player of the Series. He scored 263 runs and also took four wickets across the five-match contest, contributing with both bat and ball during Namibia’s historic series win.
Who was Player of the Match in the fifth Namibia-Ireland ODI?
JJ Smit received the Player of the Match award after taking 4/20 from nine overs in the series decider. His spell helped dismiss Ireland for 129, while Jack Brassell supported him with three wickets for 15 runs.
What were the results of the five ODIs between Namibia and Ireland?
Ireland won the first ODI by 55 runs. Namibia won the second by 31 runs and the third by 63 runs. Ireland levelled the series with a 130-run win in the fourth match, before Namibia claimed the decider by five wickets to take the series 3-2.
Why is Namibia’s series win over Ireland historic?
The victory was Namibia’s first bilateral men’s ODI series triumph against an ICC Full Member nation. It came on home soil in Windhoek and provided a significant milestone for the team as they continue preparing for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup cycle.