Lowe leads Ireland to consolation win as Namibia take series

Rebecca Lowe struck an unbeaten half-century as Ireland Under-19 Women took advantage of a weakened Namibia side to claim a convincing nine-wicket victory in the final game of their six-match series.

The hosts, already assured of the series, were without their influential batter Mekelaye Mwatile and struggled to 98 for seven before Ireland raced to victory in just the 13th over.

It was a welcome consolation for Nigel Jones side, although Namibia's 4-2 series triumph leaves plenty of questions ahead of January's Under-19 World Cup.

Ireland's bowlers seized control early, with Sophie Bellew dismissing home skipper Sunè Wittmann for four before Alice Tector removed Mezerly Gorases (4). Penny Speer accounted for Edelle van Zyl as Namibia slipped to 22 for three, and they never really recovered.

Kayleen Green top-scored with 24 from 36 balls, while Arrasta Diergaardt contributed 17. Speer returned the best figures of two for 15, with Anna Ellerby conceding just 17 from four overs. Bellew, Tector, Katherine West and Aisling Lawlor collected a wicket apiece.

Ireland's reply was dominated by Lowe, who struck eight fours and a six in an unbeaten 58 from 47 deliveries. Genevieve Morrissey made eight before falling with the score on 43, but Tector joined Lowe to finish the job in emphatic fashion. The Irish captain hit three boundaries in an unbeaten 20 from 14 balls, the pair adding 57 without further loss to secure victory with 47 balls to spare.

It was Ireland's second win of the tour, their first having come in a dramatic Super Over.

The focus now turns to January's World Cup, where Ireland face a daunting Group A assignment against defending champions India, co-hosts Nepal and West Indies. There is plenty for Jones to work on before then.