Ireland v Namibia: Paul Stirling's 56 leads tourits to win in Windhoek
Ireland's cricket team secured a 55-run victory over Namibia in the first match of their five-game ODI series. Captain Paul Stirling led the scoring with 56 runs, helping Ireland snap a long winless streak in the 50-over format.
Why it matters
This win is a crucial confidence booster for Ireland as they prepare for upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Paul Stirling scored 56 as Ireland set Namibia a target of 230
Ireland 229-9 (50 overs): Stirling 56 (71); Loftie-Eaton 4-36
Namibia 174 (37.5 overs): Trumpelmann 50 (43); Hoey 3-29
Ireland win by 55 runs, lead five-game series 1-0
Ireland began their five-game one-day international series in Namibia with a comfortable 55-run win.
Having lost the toss and been put in to bat, captain Paul Stirling led the way for his side with a half-century in Windhoek.
Namibia never seemed likely to chase down the target of 230, although Ruben Trumpelmann's 50 off 43 balls coming in at number eight injected some life into their innings.
Having scarcely played in the 50-over format in recent years, the win was Ireland's first ODI victory since May 2025.
The series resumes in Windhoek on Saturday.
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