Intercontinental Cup: Ireland on verge of beating Namibia

Ed Joyce and William Porterfield compiled the second-biggest stand in Irish cricket history

Ireland need just three wickets on the final day to complete an innings victory over Namibia in the Intercontinental Cup.

Resuming on 402-3, the Irish declared on 570-6 with skipper William Porterfield dismissed for 186.

Tim Murtagh picked up three quick wickets as Namibia's top order collapsed, leaving them on 12-4 in their second innings.

The hosts closed on 169-7, still 150 short of making Ireland bat again.

Middlesex seamer Murtagh finished the third day with four wickets for 12 runs in 11 overs.

On the second day, skipper Porterfield and Ed Joyce compiled a second-wicket stand of 326 which was the second biggest in Irish history.

Porterfield had looked destined to follow Ed Joyce and Eoin Morgan into the double-hundred club but, after passing his highest first-class score, was dismissed for 186.

The experienced pair of John Mooney (53 not out) and Kevin O'Brien (45 not out) added an unbroken 97 for the seventh wicket, extending the Irish lead to 319 before the declaration came in the early afternoon.

Ireland will be confident of wrapping up the innings win which would see them on top of the table with maximum points from their opening two games in the competition.