Ireland retain Intercontinental Cup

Niall O'Brien reaches his hundred as Ireland close in on victory against Namibia

Ireland secured their third straight Intercontinental Cup with a nine-wicket triumph over Namibia at Port Elizabeth.

Needing 67 more runs to win this morning, opener Niall O’Brien took his side to their target of 201 - reaching three figures in the process.

Wicketkeeper-batsman O’Brien resumed on 77 today and went on to an unbeaten 119, with Alex Cusack on 39 not out, as Ireland won with more than a day and a half to spare.

O’Brien’s innings came from 164 balls and included 15 fours and two sixes while Cusack’s occupied 135 deliveries with five fours. They added 133 for the second wicket.

The result capped a fine recovery for Ireland who conceded a 55-run first innings deficit. However, they bowled Namibia out for 145 in their second knock to set an achievable target.

Captain William Porterfield was thrilled with the achievement, coming on the back of Ireland’s group victories over Namibia and Kenya in October which earned them a place in the final.

“I am absolutely delighted,” said Porterfield. “To come here to Africa and win all three games to take the title for a third time is a great achievement and we are over the moon.

“It seems a long time ago that we played our first game in the competition against Bermuda. It has been a long haul with lots of ups and downs but we have come through in the end.

Ireland celebrate their third straight Intercontinental Cup triumph after beating Namibia at Port Elizabeth

“We were certainly under pressure in this match. Namibia managed to get to 250 after we had them under the kosh early and then being 37 for five we did well to get within 50 or so of their total.

“We were pretty pleased on that front and then we knew we’d have to come out hard with ball in the second innings and we did that. All credit to the bowlers to keep the target to 200 and then we went out and did the job we should have done in the first innings with the bat.”

Porterfield praised Cusack and Trent Johnston’s first innings partnership of 141 for the sixth wicket which enabled Ireland to post a competitive total.

“The way Cusack played in the first innings was very important. He kept his head and kept his composure when we were 37 for five and to build a big partnership with Trent was what was required at that time and they really dug in deep and then reaped the rewards,” Porterfield added.

“We weren’t surprised that Namibia were so good. We saw it a month ago in Windhoek and we were fortunate to come through that with an eight-run victory so all credit to them.

"I made my debut against them two years ago and the steps forward they have made in those two years is remarkable and they now have a side worthy of playing in this competition.”