Jai Moondra breaks Ireland ODI bowling record in 130-run win over Namibia

Jai Moondra claimed Ireland's best bowling figures in men's one-day international cricket as the visitors defeated Namibia by 130 runs in Windhoek to square their five-match series at 2-2. According to BBC Sport's match report, the seamer finished with 6-26 in the fourth ODI, improving on Josh Little's 6-36 against Zimbabwe in 2023. Namibia were dismissed for 168 in 41 overs after Ireland made 298-8.

Watch the highlights:

Moondra's first burst left Namibia at 32-3, giving Ireland an early hold on the chase of 299. The hosts later found resistance through Zane Green and Ruben Trumpelmann, who added 57 for the eighth wicket. Green scored 45 from 58 balls and Trumpelmann contributed 40 from 34, but Moondra dismissed both within nine deliveries to complete his first international five-wicket haul.

The 29-year-old then removed Jack Brassell to finish the innings and secure the victory. His performance brought his wicket tally for the opening four matches to 10. It also marked a sharp change in Ireland's fortunes with the ball: Namibia had passed 300 in two of the first three games, winning both of those matches to help establish a 2-1 series lead.

Ireland's batting effort began with a successful introduction to ODI cricket for Tim Tector. Replacing injured captain Paul Stirling at the top of the order, Tector made 73 from 81 balls after previously representing Ireland eight times in T20 cricket. He reached 50 in 64 deliveries before increasing his scoring rate, finishing with seven fours and three sixes.

Curtis Campher supplied 66 from 50 balls, following his century in Tuesday's defeat. His innings ended with a catch by Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus, while George Dockrell finished unbeaten on 47. JJ Smit returned 4-44 for the hosts. Lorcan Tucker, captaining Ireland in Stirling's absence, had lost the toss before Namibia elected to field.

Stirling will miss the rest of the series after breaking a finger in the third match, BBC Sport reported. Mark Adair has also yet to play in the series despite being included in the touring squad. With the fourth game won, Ireland and Namibia go into Sunday's final ODI level, with the series still to be settled.