Namibia beat Ireland by 31 runs in the 2nd ODI at the Namibia Cricket Ground in Windhoek on 24 October 2026, levelling the five-match series 1-1 in front of their home supporters. After Ireland won the toss and chose to bowl, Namibia posted 321 for 6 from their 50 overs, built around a superb unbeaten 156 from captain Gerhard Erasmus, before bowling Ireland out for 290 in 47.3 overs to complete a memorable home victory.
Match Summary
Namibia 321 for 6 beat Ireland 290 all out by 31 runs at the Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek, on 24 October 2026. Ireland won the toss and chose to bowl first, but Erasmus controlled the home innings from start to finish, and Namibia defended their total with disciplined bowling at the death. The result levelled the five-match series at 1-1 after Ireland had won the opening match by 55 runs.
| Namibia innings | 321/6 | 50 overs |
| Gerhard Erasmus | 156 not out | 125 balls |
| Jan Frylinck | 76 | 90 balls |
| Alexander Busing-Volschenk | 30 | 20 balls |
| Michael van Lingen | 22 | Best bowling: Gavin Hoey |
| 3/53 | 10 overs | Jai Moondra 1/63 |
| Ireland innings | 290 all out | 47.3 overs |
| Paul Stirling | 77 | 71 balls |
| George Dockrell | 48 | 48 balls |
| Curtis Campher | 45 | 45 balls |
| Gavin Hoey | 31 | 21 balls |
| Best bowling: Jack Brassell | 4/52 | 10 overs |
Turning Points
The first decisive shift came when Gerhard Erasmus and Jan Frylinck added 117 runs, steadying Namibia after the early loss of wickets and giving the home side a platform to attack. Erasmus then accelerated with Alexander Busing-Volschenk, whose 30 off 20 balls helped add 92 runs in just 40 balls and pushed Namibia beyond 300. Ireland fought back through Curtis Campher and George Dockrell, who put on 85 runs and kept the chase alive, but Jack Brassell’s 4 for 52 and Erasmus’s 2 for 13 removed the momentum at the crucial stage. Once the required rate climbed, Namibia’s bowlers closed out a 31-run win.
Key Performances
Gerhard Erasmus led the way with 156 not out off 125 balls, including 14 fours and 4 sixes, and then took 2 for 13 with the ball. Jan Frylinck supported him with a composed 76 off 90 balls, while Alexander Busing-Volschenk’s quick 30 off 20 balls and Michael van Lingen’s 22 gave the innings late impetus. For Ireland, captain Paul Stirling scored 77 off 71 balls with 8 fours and 3 sixes, George Dockrell made 48 off 48 balls, Curtis Campher scored 45 off 45 balls, and Gavin Hoey added 31 off 21 balls while also taking 3 for 53. Jack Brassell’s 4 for 52 was the standout bowling performance of the match.
Player of the Match
Gerhard Erasmus was the match-defining performer. The Namibia captain scored an unbeaten 156 off 125 balls, with 14 fours and 4 sixes, to carry his side to 321 for 6, and then returned with the ball to take 2 for 13 from 3.3 overs as Ireland were bowled out for 290. His innings set the tone, his partnerships built the total, and his bowling helped seal the win, making him the clear standout of the match.
What This Result Means for the Series
The win levels the five-match series at 1-1, after Ireland had won the 1st ODI by 55 runs, with Ireland scoring 229 for 9 and Namibia bowled out for 174. Namibia have now answered that defeat in front of their home supporters, and the series is wide open again. With three matches still to play, the 3rd ODI on 27 October 2026 becomes a key match, as the winner will take a 2-1 lead and put pressure on the other side for the rest of the series.
FAQs
Who won the Namibia vs Ireland 2nd ODI? Namibia won by 31 runs, scoring 321 for 6 and bowling Ireland out for 290. Who scored the most runs in the match? Gerhard Erasmus scored the most runs, with an unbeaten 156 off 125 balls. Who took the most wickets in the match? Jack Brassell took the most wickets, with 4 for 52 from 10 overs. What is the series score and when is the next match? The five-match series is level at 1-1, and the 3rd ODI is on 27 October 2026.
Conclusion
Namibia’s 31-run victory was built on a captain’s innings, strong partnerships, and disciplined bowling at the death. Erasmus’s unbeaten 156 gave Namibia a total Ireland could not chase, even with Stirling’s 77 and a fighting 85-run stand from Campher and Dockrell. With the series now level at 1-1, both teams head into the 3rd ODI on 27 October 2026 with everything to play for, and Namibia will take real confidence from this home win.
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