Namibia achieved the greatest milestone in their cricket history on Sunday, November 1, 2026, defeating Ireland by five wickets in the series-deciding fifth ODI at Windhoek to claim a 3-2 series victory. This marks the first time the African nation has won a bilateral ODI series against an ICC Full Member team.
In the series decider, Namibian pace bowlers JJ Smit and Jack Brassell ran through the Irish batting lineup, sharing seven wickets to dismiss Ireland for just 129 runs in 33.1 overs. Smit returned brilliant figures of 4/20 in 9 overs. Chasing a modest target of 130, opening batsman Louren Steenkamp played a crucial knock of 42 runs, while captain Gerhard Erasmus chipped in with 30 as Namibia comfortably crossed the line in 21.2 overs.
Read nextJosé Mourinho Defends Refereeing After Real Madrid's 3-0 Win Over Racing Santander, Telling Critics 'They Don't Know the Rules'Gerhard Erasmus was named Player of the Series for accumulating 263 runs and taking 4 wickets across the five matches, while JJ Smit claimed the Player of the Match award for his bowling masterclass. While Ireland has already secured direct qualification for next year's ICC Men's Cricket World Cup based on team rankings, historic winners Namibia will head into the upcoming World Cup Qualifier Play-offs.
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