Email This Article To Someone!Evening session report
Once again fortunes fluctuated in the final session of the day - whereas the batsmen dominated the proceedings in the afternoon, it was the turn of the bowlers to take centre stage.
In a dramatic session, a total of 7 wickets fell for just 38 runs, and when stumps were drawn, it will be Namibia who are the happier of the two teams, but Ireland will be thankful they aren't dead and buried after their initial collapse.
Resuming on 171 for 5, Ireland found runs hard to come by, with Sorel Burger and Deon Kotze strangling the life out of the Irish innings. Trent Johnston's frustration got the better of him, and he was bowled by Kotze for a valiant 58, bringing to an end a magnificent 141 run partnership in 45.4 overs with Alex Cusack.
Sorel Burger then wrapped up the Irish innings, capturing the last 4 wickets to finish with the superb analysis of 4-23 in 19.3 overs. Gerry Snyman couldn't add to his initial 5 wicket burst, having to content himself with figures of 5-53.
Sparea thought for Alex Cusack though, who was left stranded on 95 not out, as Ireland were dismissed for 195, 55 runs adrift. Cusack stroked 15 boundaries in his 231 ball sojurn at the crease, and the Irish were indebted for his heroic effort.
A fired up Peter Connell then removed both Louis van der Westhuizen and nightwatchman Louis Klazinga, both without scoring, as the game took yet another twist in the closing stages of day two.
Andries and Sorel Burger saw Namibia through to 14-2, an overall lead of 69 when play was halted. There's still all to play for, and another enthralling day's action looks on the cards for Day three.
Afternoon session report
A sixth wicket unbroken partnership of 134 by Alex Cusack (84*), and Trent Johnston (52*), has helped Ireland fight back strongly after being precariously placed at 37 for 5.
The pair added 101 runs in the 32 overs possible in the afternoon session to take Ireland to 171 for 5, 79 runs adrift of the Namibian total.
Cusack has struck 14 boundaries in his unbeaten 84, and looks on course to record his second century for Ireland. His other century came in 2007, when he made 130 as he shared in a record 6th wicket partnership for Ireland of 234 with Andre Botha.
He has found the perfect ally in former captain Trent Johnston, who is clearly relishing the challenge posed by the Namibian attack. Johnston has so far found the boundary ropes on 9 occasions in his undefeated 52 - his fifth first class half century for Ireland.
The introduction of Sorel Burger and Deon Kotze has slowed the run rate somewhat, as the Irish pair opted for a safety first approach as the tea interval approached.
A crucial session ahead, which could well be the pivotal one in deciding the destiny of the Intercontinental Cup.
Morning Session Report
A five wicket haul in the morning session by Gerrie Snyman has put Namibia firmly in control of the Intercontinental Cup final clash with Ireland.
Snyman has figures of 5-25, as he blew away the much vaunted Irish top order. He trapped Niall O'Brien lbw without scoring with the total on 11, but the real drama was reserved for the 11th over of the innings.
He picked up 3 wickets in just 4 balls, all bowled, including Irish skipper William Porterfield (12), and both Andre Botha and Kevin O'Brien for ducks.
Andrew White (8), lasted just 7 balls before he too fell victim to Snyman - Craig Williams taking a good catch low at second slip, as Ireland were reeling at 37 for 5.
It could have been much worse as Alex Cusack was the beneficiary of a missed chance at second slip off Louis Klazinga, when he had made just 12.
Since then, Alex Cusack (26*) and Trent Johnston (13*) have added 33 to take the total onto 70 for 5 at the lunch interval, still a huge 180 runs behind Namibia. Both will have a lot of work to do if Ireland are to have any hope of winning the trophy for a 3rd successive year.
Earlier Peter Connell ended the Namibia resistance when he deceived Kola Burger (29) with a well disguised slower ball, as Namibia closed on 250 all out. Skipper Louis Burger finished unbeaten on 74. Connell had the excellent analysis of 5-54, with Rankin (2-68), Cusack (1-9), Botha (1-41) and Johnston (1-43) the other wicket takers.