Namibia stand on the brink of a famous series victory when they face Ireland in the fourth ODI in Windhoek on Friday.

Key match stats

• Namibia lead the five-match series 2-1 after winning the last two matches.
• Namibia scored 321/6 in the second ODI and 316/7 in the third.
• Gerhard Erasmus struck 156 from 125 balls in the second ODI.
• Ireland won the opening match by 55 runs.
• Curtis Campher scored 106 from 86 balls in the third ODI.
• Ireland were reduced to 56/4 in the third ODI before recovering to 253.

The hosts have transformed the five-match contest after losing the opening encounter, recording successive victories to leave Ireland facing the prospect of a series defeat against their Associate opponents.

Namibia’s batting has been particularly impressive. Captain Gerhard Erasmus produced a magnificent 156 in the second ODI before Jan Frylinck took centre stage with 126 in Tuesday’s 63-run victory.

Ireland’s problems have been compounded by an injury to captain Paul Stirling, who hurt a finger while fielding in the third match and was unable to bat. His availability for Friday remains uncertain.

Namibia

Namibia have developed considerable momentum, with their middle order producing the runs required to support an increasingly confident bowling attack.

Frylinck’s 126 from 122 balls anchored their total of 316/7 on Tuesday, while Erasmus contributed 54 and Alexander Volschenk added a brisk 36.

With the ball, Bernard Scholtz returned economical figures of 2/31, while Ruben Trumpelmann and Jack Brassell also claimed two wickets apiece.

Predicted Namibia XI: Malan Kruger, Louren Steenkamp, Jan Frylinck, Gerhard Erasmus (c), Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Alexander Volschenk, Zane Green, JJ Smit, Ruben Trumpelmann, Bernard Scholtz, Jack Brassell.

Ireland

Ireland have considerable experience but their batting has struggled to establish partnerships at crucial moments. Campher’s defiant century in the third ODI demonstrated the quality available in the visiting line-up, although early wickets left him with too much work to do.

Harry Tector, Andy Balbirnie and Lorcan Tucker must provide more substantial contributions if Ireland are to force a deciding fifth ODI. Stirling’s finger injury represents the biggest selection concern. If he is unavailable, Ireland will have to reorganise their top order, potentially creating an opportunity for another member of the touring squad.

Predicted Ireland XI: Paul Stirling (c), Andy Balbirnie, Cade Carmichael, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Andy McBrine, Gavin Hoey, Liam McCarthy, Jai Moondra.

Head-to-head and recent results

Date	Result
22 October	Ireland won by 55 runs
24 October	Namibia won by 31 runs
27 October	Namibia won by 63 runs

Match prediction

Namibia deserve favouritism on recent form, particularly after posting consecutive totals exceeding 300 and demonstrating greater consistency across the batting order. Ireland retain the individual talent to level the series, especially through Campher, but their top-order vulnerabilities and uncertainty surrounding Stirling are significant concerns.