Namibia vs Ireland 1st ODI Predictions - Balbirnie to pull Ireland back on winning path

Simon Lewis

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Last updated: 8 minutes ago

Simon Lewis 8 minutes ago

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Namibia have lost four of their last five completed ODIs.
Ireland arrive after a heavy series defeat to Afghanistan.
Can Michael van Lingen and home conditions upset the more experienced Irish XI?

Andy Balbirnie has scored 102* & 109 in his last 5 knocks (Getty Images)

Ireland are backed to win the opening ODI through greater batting depth and experience, although the hosts could be awkward opponents in Windhoek's hot conditions. Van Lingen and Gerhard Erasmus give Namibia a platform, while Paul Stirling, Harry Tector and Andrew Balbirnie are central to the visitors' hopes.

Namibia's Michael van Lingen has scored 208 (ave 52.00) runs in his last 5 ODI innings.
Namibia recently amassed 298/9 against USA, showing their batting ceiling.
Namibia have lost 4 of their last 6 ODIs.
Ireland's Andrew Balbirnie has scored 2 centuries in his last 5 innings.
Ireland's Liam McCarthy has taken 4 wickets in his last 2 ODIs.
Ireland's Liam McCarthy captured 3/47 in his last ODI against Afghanistan.

Head-to-Head

This will be the first ODI meeting between the two nations. Ireland have substantially more experience against Full Member opposition, while Namibia can draw confidence from playing at home.

Namibia Form

Namibia won their last two ODIs after losing four on the bounce but batting collapses have undermined their consistency despite scoring over 275 in two of their last three matches.

Michael van Lingen has provided reliable recent runs while Gerhard Erasmus and JJ Smit offer middle-order experience and additional bowling options. A solid opening partnership will be vital for their chances in this match.

Ireland Form

Ireland come into this clash on the back of four ODI defeats on the trot, although that was against an in-form Afghanistan side. Ireland were competitive in some of those matches and posted 298/7 in the last ODI of the series.

Andrew Balbirnie and Harry Tector are crucial to the batting unit while Paul Stirling provides strong leadership to their side. The visitors need a better display in the field and more control with the ball after failing to defend competitive totals.

Team News

Paul Stirling leads Ireland with Lorcan Tucker named vice-captain. Namibia are expected to rely on Erasmus, Van Lingen and JJ Smit. Conditions should be sunny and hot, with highs around 33°C.

Namibia (possible XI): Michael van Lingen, Louren Steenkamp, Jan Frylinck, Gerhard Erasmus (c), Zane Green, JJ Smit, Max Heingo, Ruben Trumpelmann, Alexander Busing-Volschenk, Bernard Scholtz, Jack Brassell.

Ireland (possible XI): Andrew Balbirnie, Paul Stirling (c), Cade Carmichael, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Jordan Neill, Gavin Hoey, Liam McCarthy, Jai Moondra.

Verdict

Namibia v Ireland

Ireland are the more complete 50-over side and are my pick to take the win but short odds offer limited value in the payout. Namibia's higher price may appeal to those willing to back a home upset in the heat.

Van Lingen and Balbirnie look the strongest batting candidates to back, while Ruben Trumpelmann and McCarthy are the pick of the bowlers on current form.

Ireland Win

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Simon is a talented sports writer in South Africa with a strong focus on cricket having played first-team level for UCT, including playing at two Universities Weeks.

From a young age Simon was an avid reader of cricket magazines and books, and went on to be Editor of The Googly, CricketScene SA and SA Cricket, in addition to being a Features Writer on SA Sports Illustrated.

He has interviewed most of South Africa's premier cricketers and was the first writer to interview a teenaged Jacques Kallis.

Simon has also written about English and local football, rugby and cricket, in addition to major international tennis and golf stars and competitions.

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