Erasmus 156* leads Namibia to 31-run win over Ireland

Gerhard Erasmus' unbeaten 156 guided Namibia to a 31-run victory over Ireland in Windhoek on October 24, 2026, leveling the five-match one-day international series at 1-1.

Erasmus, the Namibia captain, produced a career-best 156, surpassing his previous highest ODI score of 125, and also finished the match by taking the final two wickets. The 31-year-old's batting effort helped his side compile 321-6 from their 50 overs. His contributions with bat and ball were decisive in a match that Ireland were unable to finish off.

Namibia posted 321-6 (50 overs) with Erasmus 156* off 125 balls and David Wiese's teammate Gerhard Frylinck contributing 76 off 90 deliveries. That total provided the platform for the hosts after Paul Stirling, the Ireland captain, elected to bowl first.

Ireland reached 290 in 47.3 overs with Stirling scoring 77 from 71 balls, but the visitors' chase faltered in the late stages. A ninth-wicket stand of 58 between Gavin Hoey and Jai Moondra briefly brought Ireland back into contention before Moondra was out for 20, caught and bowled by Erasmus.

Bowling figures underlined a mixed day for the tourists: Jack Brassell claimed 4-52, including the wickets of Lorcan Tucker, George Dockrell and Curtis Campher, while spinner Gavin Hoey returned 3-53, matching his three-wicket haul from Wednesday's win. Byron McDonough took a wicket with the first ball of his spell but finished with 1-71 and Campher conceded 1-74 from his 10 overs; Ireland were without their leading seamer Mark Adair.

The series is now tied 1-1 and resumes on Tuesday with the third match in Windhoek as Ireland continue their preparations for next year's World Cup qualifiers.