Gary Wilson hit an unbeaten 38 as Ireland kept alive their hopes at the inaugural Desert T20 tournament as they beat Namibia by five wickets in a close contest in Abu Dhabi.
The 30-year-old hit 38 not out off 28 balls, including three fours, as Ireland successfully chased down Namibia’s 146-9 with two balls remaining.
Wilson also claimed a catch and stumping behind the stumps in a good display for the Irish.
Earlier, Louis van der Westhuizen struck 50 for the Namibians with fellow opener Stephan Baard contributing 32, as they put on 81 for the first wicket in 8.4 overs with a big total looking likely.
However, the Namibian innings lost momentum as Kevin O’Brien, Joshua Little, Craig Young and Jacob Mulder all took two wickets.
Wilson quick with the gloves & Erasmus walks #DesertT20 @Irelandcricket @CricketNamibia pic.twitter.com/auMsBFdK3T
— Desert T20 Cricket (@Desert_T20) January 17, 2017
After the departures of Paul Stirling and skipper William Porterfield left the Irish on 25-2 after 3.4 overs, Stuart Poynter (38) and O’Brien (22) put on 48 for the third wicket before they were out in quick succession to leave the innings on 83-4.
But Wilson and Greg Thompson (17) produced a crucial 45-run partnership before Andy McBrine’s (11 not out) two boundaries in the final over helped guide the Irish to victory.
Last week Ireland faced Afghanistan where Wilson hit 23 off 19 balls, but this wasn’t enough as Afghanistan claimed victory by five wickets.
Ireland now need to win against the United Arab Emirates, the hosts, in Dubai on Wednesday to guarantee a place in the semi-finals on Friday, with the final also taking place on the same day.
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