Stirling and Hoey star as Ireland draw first blood against Namibia

Ireland made a winning start to their five-match ODI series against Namibia with a comfortable 55-run victory in Windhoek, skipper Paul Stirling leading from the front with a half-century before the spinners took centre stage.

The Irish posted 229 for nine from their 50 overs, a total that proved more than sufficient as the hosts were dismissed for 174 with almost 12 overs unused.

Stirling top-scored with 56, sharing an opening stand of 70 with Andy Balbirnie, who made 20, to give Ireland a solid platform. Cade Carmichael continued the good work with a patient 45, while Harry Tector and Lorcan Tucker both contributed 28 as Ireland reached 176 for three.

However, they failed to capitalise on their promising position, with Namibia's Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton turning the contest through an excellent spell of four for 36. Curtis Campher chipped in with 17, but Ireland lost wickets regularly in the closing overs, adding just 29 runs for their last five wickets.

Namibia made a steady start to the chase, reaching 48 without loss before left-armer Jai Moondra removed Michael van Lingen for 23.

It sparked a collapse as Pembroke leg-spinner Gavin Hoey struck twice to dismiss Louren Steenkamp (26) and Jan Frylinck (9), leaving the hosts struggling on 55 for two.
Captain Gerhard Erasmus made 22 before falling lbw to George Dockrell, who also accounted for the dangerous JJ Smit.

At 110 for seven, the contest looked effectively over, although Ruben Trumplemann provided some late entertainment with a defiant 50, that saw the ball sail over the ropes three times.

Hoey was the pick of the Ireland attack, returning excellent figures of three for 29, while Dockrell claimed two for 22 and Moondra impressed with two for 27. Campher also collected a wicket before Liam McCarthy ended Trumplemann's resistance to wrap up the victory.

It was an encouraging opening performance for Ireland - who were without star all-rounder Mark Adair. They take a 1-0 series lead as they continue preparations for next year's World Cup qualifiers.

The teams meet next on Saturday in the second match of the series.

Summary: Ireland 229/9 (50 overs; P Stirling 56, C Carmichael 45, JN Loftie-Eaton 4-36) beat Namibia 174 (37.5 overs; R Trumplemann 50, G Hoey 3-29, G Dockrell 2-22, J Moondra 2-27) by 55 runs.