Namibia win ODI series against Ireland, their first over a Full Member

Namibia beat Ireland by five wickets on Sunday in Windhoek to win the one-day international series 3-2. It is the first time Namibia have won a bilateral ODI series against a Full Member nation, the top tier of international cricket.

The series decider was played in Windhoek, Namibia's home ground. Ireland, a Full Member since 2017, were beaten by a side that has spent most of its history outside the top tier of the sport. The win gives Namibia a result that will stand out in their record books.

Namibia have long been one of the stronger Associate nations in African cricket. Their rise has been slower than that of some other teams, and a bilateral series win over a Full Member is a rare milestone for an Associate side. Ireland, for their part, have been building their one-day side in recent years and were competing hard for the series.

The result matters for the wider game. Full Member status brings more matches against the sport's major teams and more chances to earn ranking points. A series win like this one shows that Namibia can compete at a higher level, not just in tournaments but in head-to-head contests.

It is not yet known when Namibia's or Ireland's next fixtures will be, or how the result will affect either side's standing in the rankings.