The Namibia vs Ireland ODI series 2026 starts in Windhoek on October 22, and it matters more than a normal bilateral series. The 2027 ODI World Cup will be played in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, so both teams get five matches of real preparation in African conditions a year before it starts.
Namibia are co-hosts, and they want to show they can compete with the bigger sides at home. Ireland need wins after a tough run, and they need time to settle their best XI for the qualification push. Here is everything you need to know: the schedule, squads, key players and our prediction.
Namibia vs Ireland ODI Series 2026 Schedule
All matches start at 1:30 PM IST.
- 1st ODI – Namibia vs Ireland – 22 October, High Performance Oval, Windhoek
- 2nd ODI – Namibia vs Ireland – 24 October, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
- 3rd ODI – Namibia vs Ireland – 27 October, High Performance Oval, Windhoek
- 4th ODI – Namibia vs Ireland – 30 October, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
- 5th ODI – Namibia vs Ireland – 1 November, Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek
Recent Form
Namibia have played 15 ODIs in 2026, with 6 wins, 7 defeats and 2 no results. Their best cricket came away from home. They won three of four in Utrecht against Nepal and the Netherlands, then two of three completed games in Dallas, including a chase of 278 to beat the USA. At home they have struggled, and South Africa beat them 3-0 in September.
Ireland have lost their last four ODIs, all at home to Afghanistan. Their batting was fine: they scored at 5.68 an over and passed 290 twice. The bowlers could not defend those totals, though, and the death bowling needs work.
Namibia vs Ireland ODI Series 2026 Squads
Namibia: Gerhard Erasmus (c), JC Balt, Jack Brassell, Jan Frylinck, Zane Green, Max Heingo, Malan Kruger, Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Bernard Scholtz, JJ Smit, Waldo Smith, Louren Steenkamp, Junior Taanyanda, Ruben Trumpelmann, Michael van Lingen, Alex Volschenk
Ireland: Paul Stirling (c), Lorcan Tucker (vc), Mark Adair, Andrew Balbirnie, Ben Calitz, Curtis Campher, Cade Carmichael, George Dockrell, Gavin Hoey, Matthew Humphreys, Andrew McBrine, Liam McCarthy, Byron McDonough, Jai Moondra, Jordan Neill, Harry Tector
Key Players to Watch
| Player | Team | ODI record |
|---|---|---|
| Gerhard Erasmus | Namibia | 2,100+ runs at 38, 53+ wickets |
| Bernard Scholtz | Namibia | 100+ wickets at under 19 |
| JJ Smit | Namibia | 1,000+ runs, 56+ wickets |
| Paul Stirling | Ireland | 6,080 runs, 14 hundreds |
| Harry Tector | Ireland | 2,098 runs at 44.63 |
| Andrew Balbirnie | Ireland | 3,264 runs, 9 hundreds |
Gerhard Erasmus holds Namibia’s batting together and also bowls handy off-spin. Bernard Scholtz is one of the best spinners in Associate cricket and will be dangerous on slowing pitches. JJ Smit adds power with the bat and wickets with the ball.
For Ireland, Paul Stirling is the key man at the top, with more than 6,000 ODI runs. Harry Tector has the best average in the squad, and Andrew Balbirnie brings experience. Mark Adair (71 wickets) leads the pace attack.
Namibia vs Ireland ODI Series 2026 Prediction
This should be a close series. Ireland have the stronger batting on paper, but Namibia have home conditions, better recent results and Scholtz’s spin. The team that bowls better at the death should win most games.
Prediction: Namibia to win the series 3-2.
FAQs
Where can I watch the Namibia vs Ireland ODI series 2026 live in India?
All five matches will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website in India.
What time do the matches start in India?
Every match starts at 1:30 PM IST, which is 10:00 AM local time in Windhoek.
What is the pitch like at the High Performance Oval, Windhoek?
It is a good batting pitch with true bounce and a fast outfield. Pacers can get some movement early in the morning, but batting gets easier as the day goes on. A total of around 280 is competitive here.
What is the pitch like at the Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek?
This is also a high-scoring ground. South Africa made 348 and 335 here in September. The pitch slows down in the second half of the match, which brings spinners like Bernard Scholtz into the game. Teams winning the toss may prefer to bat first and put runs on the board.
Who will win the Namibia vs Ireland ODI series?
We expect a close series, with Namibia winning 3-2 thanks to home conditions and better recent form.
