After several sudden, dramatic shifts in fortune, it was Ireland who claimed it, in the end, beating Namibia by 102 runs to secure the 13th spot at Lincoln.
Ireland had a quickfire start plundering 80 for no loss in the first 10 overs. Most of the runs came from the bat of Jamie Grassi, who took just 38 balls to reach his fifty. Mauritius Ngupita struck twice in an over just after powerplay to halt South Africa’s run flow.
By the end of the 22nd over Ireland were 123/4, and 43/4 in 12 overs since Grassi’s assault ended. Mark Donegan and Morgan Topping both departed shortly as Namibia was on top.
The tide shifted again as Neil Rock joined captain Harry Tector in the middle, both looking immediately comfortable. The pair added 106 before Rock fell, bowled attempting a scoop.
However, Tector marched onto his hundred only falling in the last over while trying to go big. A late flourish in the death overs propelled Ireland to 288 and put them ahead.
The game turned again when Namibia began their innings solidly as Namibia posted 58 runs for their opening wicket. But just as Ireland had, they lost two wickets in a short space of time upon exiting the PowerPlay. It was on captain Lohan Louwrens to try and salvage the situation, who made 62 from 61 before getting out.
The blow felt key, especially when two more fell soon after, the collapse reading 8/4. Nicol Loftie-Eaton and Gerhard Lottering added a brisk and punchy 45 but it was not good enough as they fell short by 102 runs.
Joshua Little was the pick of the bowlers picking three wickets, well supported by Jonathan Grath, who bagged two.
Brief Score: Ireland 288/6 (Tector 101, Rock 55, Grassi 51) beat Namibia 186 (Louwrens 62, Lottering 46; Little 3/33) by 102 runs.
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