Connell keeps Ireland in final

Trent Johnston drives en route to an important fifty in a stand with Alex Cusack

Peter Connell took two key wickets late on day two of the ICC Intercontinental Cup final, but Ireland are still up against it in Port Elizabeth.

The paceman took his tally for the match to seven wickets by removing Louis van der Westhuizen and Louis Klazinga for nought, leaving Namibia 14 for two.

But the Africans still have a lead of 69 runs with eight wickets remaining, after they bowled Ireland out for 195.

Ireland swiftly bowled the Namibians out for 250 in their first innings in the morning, Connell ending with 5-54.

Ireland were soon 37 for five, but Alex Cusack (95) and Trent Johnston (58) dug them out of a hole with a stand of 151 for the sixth wicket.

Gerrie Snyman took 5-53 and Sarel Burger 4-23 to bundle Ireland out.

But Connell’s inspired spell leaves the Irish within touching distance with three scheduled days to go.