Bangladeshis take a 2-1 lead against Namibia

Bangladesh took a 2-1 lead in the five-match Alexander Forbes one-day series against Namibia on Saturday, winning the third match by three wickets with 30 balls left.

Bangladesh scored 234 for seven in reply to Namibia's highest total of the series, 232 for six.

Halfcenturies for Namibia were scored by opener Riaan Walters (65) and Gavin Murgatroyd (53), both finding form after struggling in the earlier matches.

On a good batting wicket, Namibia could not contain the Bangladesh batsmen who were scoring at the required run rate throughout the innings. The Namibian fielding was not as sharp as in the first two matches.

Bangladesh number four batsman Sanwar Hussain won the man of the macth award, scoring a fluent 72 off 85 balls. He also shared a 114 run partnership with opener Ehsanul Haq, who made 52.

Hussain fell to a sharp catch by Namibian captain Deon Kotzé at backward point, but Mohammad Rafique (24 not out off 21 balls) saw Bangladesh home.

The fourth match is played on Sunday, with the fifth and final match to be played on Wednesday. Both will take place at Wanderers Cricket Club.