If ever proof was needed that the T20 format is a batters’ game then yesterday’s action in Windhoek was ample proof as Namibia defeated the Ireland Wolves by eight wickets with more than three overs to spare, chasing 166.

When Ireland scored 65 off the last six overs they probably thought it was a competitive total, but the Eagles were flying at the same stage, six runs ahead, and needed only another 23 balls to complete a sensational win.

Their captain, the experienced JJ Smit, and Nicol Loftie-Eaton both completed big half-centuries in an unbroken stand of 143 from just 66 balls, although it was exaggerated by 32 coming off five legitimate balls in the 17th over by Graham Hume, the Waringstown seamer who ended the match with five wides, having already been hit for four sixes. There were eight other maximums and four fours in the devastating partnership.

Josh Manley was the pick of the bowlers, conceding only two boundaries in his four overs, while Curtis Campher’s last two overs went for 38.
Murray Commins was out in the first over of the Ireland innings but Jeremy Lawlor gave them a fast start with 45 off 34 balls, including four fours and two sixes, but it was Stephen Doheny and Neil Rock who enjoyed themselves, putting on 62 for the fifth wicket in 37 balls. Doheny hit five fours and two sixes, his last 36 coming off 22 balls.

Meanwhile, Ross Adair, who missed out on the tour because of Covid, is in an 11-man squad which will fly to Spain on Sunday morning for a four-day batting camp in preparation for the busy summer.

The lead coach will be newly-appointed batting coach Gary Wilson, supported by Simon Johnston.

11-man panel: M Adair, R Adair, A Balbirnie, G Dockrell, A McBrine, B McCarthy, W Porterfield, S Singh, P Stirling, H Tector, L Tucker.

Curtis Campher was scheduled to be included, but with injury doubts around Peter Chase he will now remain in Namibia as bowling cover.

Scores:
Ireland Wolves 165-5 (S Doheny 74, J Lawlor 45, N Rock 22)
Namibia 169-2 (16.5 overs, N Loftie-Eaton 74 not out, JJ Smit 63 not out; J Manley 1-24, G Hume 1-52).
Namibia won by 8 wickets and the series 2-1.