ICC Intercontinental Cup and Shield

IRELAND v NAMIBIA Namibia met Ireland for the second time within a month. Following their narrow victory at Windhoek, the Irish were hoping for a more convincing display to win the Intercontinental Cup for the third successive time. Namibia, however, were out for revenge, knowing that, as the top-placed team in the league stage, they only had to draw the match to win the Cup. With the match scheduled for five days, the likelihood of a draw was small since neither side had previously played a fixture of that duration. Namibia chose to bat on a warm but windy day, conditions which were difficult for both bowlers and fielders. After an opening stand of 36, Namibia lost both openers in quick succession before Sarel Burger and Craig Williams took them safely to 73 for two at lunch. Peter Connell removed both soon after the interval, Gerrie Snyman went for a straight six off Andre Botha only to loft the ball to Connell at mid off, and Alex Cusack took a wicket in his first over to reduce Namibia to 119 for six. Louis Burger and Bjorn Kotze responded with a fine partnership of 91 off 206 balls. Ireland seized the initiative when Rankin trapped Kotze leg-before and Connell took two further wickets but Kola Burger showed no respect for the bowling, striking 22 runs in 11 balls, including five fours. This was excellent support for his captain, Louis Burger. The pair were undefeated at the close by which time the last-wicket partnership was worth 29 runs, made in the last three overs of the day. Namibia added only nine runs to the overnight total, Connell bowling Kola Burger to obtain a well-deserved five-wicket haul. Ireland were soon in trouble as Snyman got the ball to swing alarmingly in the morning sunshine. He was far too good for the Irish top order as Ireland slumped to 37 for five, Snyman taking all the wickets, three bowled, one leg-before and one caught in the slips. Only Cusack offered resistance and he was lucky to be dropped at third slip when he had made only 12. This missed chance proved crucial as regards the outcome of the match as Cusack batted defiantly throughout the innings to finish not out, five runs short of a century. Although he hit fifteen fours, the innings was one of determination rather than attractiveness, his runs coming at a strike rate of 41.3. He found a partner in Trent Johnston, the pair putting on 141 for the sixth wicket. Johnston was also unusually subdued with a strike rate of 44.9, but he and Cusack did manage 101 runs between lunch and tea, ensuring that Namibia failed to take a wicket in the afternoon session. Johnston passed his half-century before being bowled by Deon Kotze. The Irish innings then folded with Sarel Burger taking the last four wickets, whilst only 14 more runs were scored. With a lead of 55 and 40 minutes’ batting time remaining, Namibia held the advantage but this was soon lost as Connell removed Louis van der Westhuizen, a surprise choice as an opening batsman, followed four balls later by the nightwatchman, Louis Klazinga. After two maiden overs on the third morning, William Porterfield held a splendid catch at second slip to remove Sarel Burger off the bowling of Rankin who, like Snyman the day before, made the ball swing. The Irish pace attack of Rankin, Connell and Botha held sway all day and although Namibia’s batsmen defended well for long periods, they accumulated runs only very slowly. Louis Burger lasted 58 minutes, during which time he received 32 balls but made only one run. Most of the middle order got to double figures and Snyman, having been forced to retire hurt soon after his arrival at the crease, looked dangerous on his return. His 31 runs were made at a strike rate of 83.7 and included three fours and two enormous straight sixes. Once Botha induced him to edge to the wicketkeeper, there was little further resistance and Namibia were all out just before tea for a disappointing 145 runs. Nevertheless, the pattern of the game to date suggested that the target of 201 runs would not be an easy one for Ireland. The contrast between the Irish approach, however, and what had gone before was startling. The Irish openers showed just how good the pitch was for batting. Porterfield made 24 off 23 balls as Ireland scored at six runs per over. Namibia’s bowling was decidedly passive and Louis Burger made five bowling changes in the first ten overs in an attempt to stem the flow of runs. After almost one hour and with the score at 68, Deon Kotze inticed Porterfield into hitting a straight six only to perish, caught at deep mid on by the bowler’s brother. Cusack continued his anchor role from the first innings but with Niall O’Brien batting positively, having hit 11 fours in his not-out 77, Ireland were only 66 runs behind at the close with nine wickets in hand. Ireland began the fourth day with caution, scoring only 12 runs in the first eleven overs. Thereafter, Niall O’Brien, the hitter, and Cusack, the anchor, took Ireland to victory with ease. O’Brien passed his century, finishing on 119 which included fifteen fours and two sixes, but it was Cusack who made the winning hit with his fifth boundary in an undefeated 39. Despite Niall O’Brien’s century and some good swing bowling by Connell, Rankin and Snyman, Alex Cusack was named the Man of the Match for his crucial contribution in Ireland’s first innings. 172 ICC Intercontinental Cup 2007-08