Erasmus masterclass exposes Ireland's bowling frailties as Namibia level series

IRELAND'S old Achilles heel of death bowling came back to haunt them as a magnificent unbeaten 156 from Gerhard Erasmus inspired Namibia to a deserved 31-run victory in Windhoek, levelling the five-match ODI series at 1-1.

The Namibian captain struck 14 fours and four sixes in his 125-ball masterpiece as the Eagles plundered 121 runs from the final ten overs, including a remarkable 63 from the last four, to reach 321 for six.

It was carnage as Ireland's inexperienced attack became cannon fodder on a flat surface, leaving head coach Gary Wilson with plenty to contemplate.

Wilson, a devoted Manchester United supporter, finds himself facing a dilemma not unlike that confronting Michael Carrick at Old Trafford.

Carrick has controversially benched influential captain Bruno Fernandes following his public criticism of United's tactics, although the manager insists the decision was football-related rather than disciplinary.

Wilson has his own selection headache surrounding star all-rounder Mark Adair, whose continued omission has raised questions following reports of a dispute dating back to August. What appears to have been intended as an internal matter has inevitably become the subject of speculation, with the lack of clarity raising more questions than answers.

Certainly, Ireland could have done with Adair's experience as Erasmus ruthlessly dismantled their bowling. Namibia had struggled initially after slipping to 49 for two, but Erasmus and Jan Frylinck (76) added 117 to establish a platform for the late assault.

Gavin Hoey was again Ireland's standout bowler, claiming three for 53, although Curtis Campher conceded 74 and Byron McDonough 71.

Ireland started their pursuit promisingly, skipper Paul Stirling continuing his excellent form with 77 from 71 balls, including eight fours and three sixes. However, his dismissal - having been dropped twice in quick succession - left Ireland struggling at 125 for five, and despite determined contributions from George Dockrell (48) and Campher (45), the target always appeared formidable.

Hoey (31) and Jai Moondra (20) provided late resistance in a ninth-wicket partnership of 58, but Jack Brassell claimed four for 52 before Erasmus fittingly completed the victory with the final two wickets, as Ireland were dismissed for 290.

There were positives in Stirling's batting and Hoey's continued wicket-taking, but familiar concerns remain about the attack's ability to contain quality batsmen. With three games remaining, starting on Tuesday, Wilson has much to ponder — both on the field and off it.

Summary Score: Namibia 321-6 (50 overs; G Erasmus 156*, J Frylinck 76, G Hoey 3-53) beat Ireland 290 (47.3 overs; P Stirling 77, G Dockrell 48, C Campher 45, J Brassell 4-52) by 31 runs. Series level 1-1.