Namibia beat Ireland by five wickets in Windhoek to take series 3-2

Namibia beat Ireland by five wickets in Windhoek in the fifth and final one-day international on 1 November 2026, clinching the series 3-2.

Ireland were all out for 129 after 33.1 overs and Namibia reached 131-5 inside 21.2 overs to win the match. Score details: Ireland 129 (33.1 overs): J Neill 33 (25); JJ Smit 4-20. Namibia 131-5 (21.2 overs): L Steenkamp 46 (44); M Humphreys 2-48.

Ireland won the toss and elected to bat but lost early wickets, Tim Tector falling for five in the second over and Andrew Balbirnie for nine. Cade Carmichael started positively but became the first of Jack Brassell's three victims, while Harry Tector and Lorcan Tucker offered some resistance before Jordan Neill's 33 off 25 ended with him also being removed by Brassell.

JJ Smit was the chief destroyer of the Ireland innings, finishing with four wickets for 20 runs as the visitors were bundled out for 129. Jai Moondra removed Michael van Lingen for 15 in the seventh over, and Matthew Humphreys both ran out Louren Steenkamp and claimed two further wickets.

In the chase, Louren Steenkamp made 46 off 44 balls and Gerhard Erasmus added 30 to keep Namibia on course. While the skipper was bowled by Humphries, the hosts reached the target with plenty to spare inside 21.2 overs.

Reflecting on the series defeat, Tucker said: "Obviously, it was a disappointing day for us," he said. "We came here today excited about the opportunities with the series on the line, but I don't think we quite rocked up from a skills perspective. "We have learned a lot, but I think we've a lot to reflect on going forward."

With next year's Cricket World Cup qualifier taking place in the southern Africa nation in February, this series was ideal preparation for Gary Wilson's side. They may not have managed to come away with a victory against the hosts, but captain Lorcan Tucker accepts his side will have "learned a lot" from their experience.