Eagles take on world-class Ireland in 5-match ODI series
Cricket Namibia welcomed the arrival of Ireland’s men’s national cricket team under their experienced captain Paul Stirling yesterday, for a five-match One-Day International (ODI) series against the FNB Eagles, starting at the FNB Namibia Cricket Ground and the HP Oval this week.
The series forms part of Namibia’s continued efforts to compete against high-quality international opposition, strengthen the national team and bring top-quality cricket to local supporters.
Ireland, an ICC Full Member nation, is ranked 12th in the ICC men’s ODI team rankings, while Namibia sits in 16th position overall, according to the rankings dated 23 September 2026.
Ireland have not reached either of the last two 50-over World Cups, but will travel to South Africa and Namibia in February-March next year for the 10-team global Qualifier looking to seal one of four available spots at the 2027 edition.
The series also offers the Eagles valuable experience against a higher-ranked opponent as they continue to develop and improve their competitiveness on the international stage.
The tour follows Namibia’s recent international cricket at home against South Africa and Zimbabwe, as well as the Eagles’ four ODI tour matches against the USA and the United Arab Emirates played in Dallas, Texas.
These fixtures reflect Cricket Namibia’s commitment to providing the national men’s team with opportunities against higher opposition, while the FNB Eagles remain committed to stay in the fight during their quest to qualify for the 2027 ICC World Cup.
WRITING HISTORY
The upcoming series will mark the first-ever men’s ODI meetings between Namibia and Ireland.
The two teams previously met at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2021, where Namibia secured an 8-wicket victory, and in 2022 at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in a warm-up game where the Eagles again beat Ireland by 11 runs.
Graeme West, director of High Performance at Cricket Ireland, told ICC-cricket.com: “With Namibia and Zimbabwe hosting the ICC Cricket World Cup and Qualification events in 2027 alongside South Africa, the tours provide great opportunities for our players to familiarise themselves with the conditions and some of their potential opponents.”
There is a strong flexibility in the Ireland squad, as the tour provides a prime opportunity for Cricket Ireland to strengthen their squad depth.
Six Ireland players – Lorcan Tucker, Harry Tector, Ross and Mark Adair, Curtis Campher and George Dockrell – were recently picked at the ILT20 auction in the Emirates, with the tournament due to start on November 21.
Ireland lost their most recent ODI series 4-0 at home to Afghanistan in August, but their selectors have named a near-identical squad for the Namibia tour. The only difference is the addition of left-arm spinner Matthew Humphreys.
Ireland squad for Namibia: Paul Stirling (captain), Lorcan Tucker (wicketkeeper), Mark Adair, Andrew Balbirnie, Ben Calitz, Curtis Campher, Cade Carmichael, George Dockrell, Gavin Hoey, Matthew Humphreys, Andy McBrine, Liam McCarthy, Byron McDonough, Jai Moondra, Jordan Neill, Harry Tector.
MATCH SCHEDULE (all matches start at 09:30)
Thursday 22 October at HP Oval
Saturday 24 October at FNB Namibia Cricket Ground.
Tuesday 27 October at HP Oval.
Friday 30 October at FNB Namibia Cricket Ground.
Sunday 1 November at FNB Namibia Cricket Ground.
Cricket Namibia invites all supporters to come out and back the FNB Eagles as they take on Ireland in five exciting matches of international cricket on home soil.
TICKET INFORMATION
Weekday matches (Monday–Thursday): N$5.
Weekend matches: N$50 for general admission on the grass embankments.
Premium seating: N$200.
Spectators can buy the tickets on ticketing.ncg.com.na/
