(Cricket news) Despite an opening partnership of 62 runs between Paul Stirling and Kevin O’Brien, Ireland were ultimately reduced to a meagre score of 125-8. Namibia’s superb bowling performance paid dividends as Ireland captain Andrew Balbirnie was the only other player to reach double figures (21 runs off 28 balls) which meant that the Irish team went from 94-2 to 116-7 in a space of 4.2 overs.

This was Ireland’s second defeat of the tournament, the first being against Sri Lanka. Namibian bowler Jan Frylinck got impressive figures of 3-21 along with Weise (2-22), which ultimately reduced the Ireland score to an achievable 125 runs. 37-year-old Namibian cricketer Craig Williams scored 25 runs alongside Zane Green (24 runs off 32) but Williams was soon dismissed from a Campher delivery after O’Brien took an impressive catch at mid-on.

However, captain Gerhard Erasmus held the fort to get the run rate going while Green fell on the other end. Ireland severely missed Mark Adair and it showed as David Wiese (28no off 14) continued his brilliant form from his match-winning performance against the Netherlands. Erasmus’ 53 runs off 49 along with his partnership with Wiese was enough to seal the victory for Namibia as the skipper hit a six off Simi Singh while Wiese also hit successive sixes on the leg side off Craig Young. With the run rate needing less than one run per ball, it was Wiese’s boundary off Craig Young that recorded a famous victory with nine balls to spare as Erasmus raised both his hands in jubilation of the result.

Also read: Struggling WI face tough battle against England in their T20 WC opener