Ireland v Namibia, Clontarf, 3rd day

Ireland on course despite van Zyl

Cricinfo staff

May 19, 2006

Namibia 95 and 109 for 7 (K Burger 42*) lead Ireland 173 (Johnston 71, van Zyl 8-34) trail by 31 runs
Scorecard

Namibia are facing a crushing defeat at the hands of Ireland despite an incredible bowling performance from Ian van Zyl, who finished with the stunning figures of 8 for 34. However, Trent Johnston continued his outstanding match with a vital 71 as Ireland built a lead of 78 before blowing away the Namibia top order for the second in the match.

van Zyl had brought Namibia back into contention with four more wickets before Ireland edged into the lead. He removed Eoin Morgan early and at 87 for 7 equal first innings were on the cards. But Johnston found able support from the No. 10 Paul Mooney and the pair added 58 priceless runs.

Johnston was ninth out after a 121-ball innings as van Zyl wrapped up proceedings with two in two balls. van Zyl's previous record of two wickets in two matches put this performance into context.

Namibia, though, couldn't respond to his heroics as their top order floundered against the Ireland seamers. Johnston grabbed another brace, to add to his first inning six-wicket haul, while Mooney carried on his productive day with two of his own.

The match was hurtling towards a conclusion, but Kola Burger brought out the long handle for the second time in the game, smashing five sixes in his 21-ball cameo. His biffing carried Namibia into a slender lead, but if Ireland can avoid poor weather on the final day they should have few problems wrapping up the win.

© Cricinfo

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Stories

Ireland beat weather for win

Johnston's six shreds sorry Namibia

Matches

Ireland v Namibia at Dublin

Players/Umpires

Kola Burger

Trent Johnston

Paul Mooney

Ian van Zyl

Series/Tournaments

ICC Intercontinental Cup

Teams

Ireland

Namibia