Ireland close in on Cup final victory

Boyd Rankin ends opener JB Burger's stubborn resistance to leave Namibia in trouble at 85 for six

Ireland are on the verge of clinching their third consecutive Intercontinental Cup final triumph after dominating Namibia at Port Elizabeth on day three of five.

The Irish need just 67 more runs with nine wickets remaining to claim victory after bowling their opponents out for 145 second time around, leaving a target of 201.

Opening batsman Niall O’Brien smashed an unbeaten 77 and Alex Cusack, who hit 95 in the first innings, was 19 not out at the close to help their team reach 134 for one.

O’Brien and opening partner William Porterfield (34) put on a quickfire 68 inside 15 overs for the first wicket to set Phil Simmons' side on their way.

Namibia resumed the day on 14 for two, a lead of 69, but continued to lose regular wickets. Boyd Rankin made regular breakthroughs to finish with 4-39.

Fellow seamer Andre Botha picked up two victims and Peter Connell added one more to his overnight two. Gerrie Snyman top scored for Namibia with 31.

But the Africans need a miracle to prevent a rampant Ireland.