Simmons upbeat ahead of decider

Simmons has a healthy respect for the Nambian bowling attack

Ireland coach Phil Simmons says his players are in a confident frame of mind going into the Intercontinental Cup Final which starts on Thursday.

The Irish will be aiming for their third successive triumph in the competition when they take on Namibia in Port Elizabeth over five days.

"To win this tournament again would show that we are still the number ones among the Associates," said Simmons.

"We're defending the trophy. It's ours and we don't want to let it go."

Simmons wanted to put his charges through their paces in final preparation on Wednesday but rain and wind restricted the session.

"The weather hasn't given us a good chance to prepare but we will do as much as we can do.

"Today is just about getting sharp and making sure we are in the frame of mind for tomorrow’s game," added Simmons.

The Irish defeated Namibia in an extraordinary, low-scoring encounter in Windhoek earlier this month when they claimed an eight-run victory despite only managing innings of 69 and 164.

We just need to counter their bowling attack and we'll be on our way Ireland coach Phil Simmons

As a result, Simmons has a healthy respect for Namibia's bowling but his believes his batsmen should have renewed confidence after scoring heavily in the victory over Kenya a week later.

"Namibia's danger for us is in their bowling. That is definitely their strength.

"But if we can bat as we did in Kenya I think we'll have things covered.

"Our bowling attack is getting into things, hitting the right areas and our two spinners have bowled well so we just need to counter their bowling attack and we'll be on our way."

However, Namibia national coach Johan Rudolph believes his team have the ammunition to overcome the fancied Irish.

"I really believe we are at that level, we are definitely not a Division 2 side and we belong in the same league as Ireland," said Rudolph.

"It was good to see Louis Klasinga, Kola Burger and Gerrie Snyman get selected for the team of the tournament. It demonstrates the quality we have.

"But we do not just rely on them. Sorel Burger has been a rock for us - he is our banker - and the whole team is contributing."

Play will get underway in Port Elizabeth at 0830 GMT.

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Namibia (from): Louis Burger (captain), JB Burger, Kola Burger, Sorel Burger, Louis Klazinga, Bjorn Kotze, Deon Kotze, Nicolaas Scholtz, Wilbur Slabber, Gerrie Snyman, Tobias Verwey, Louis van der Westhuizen, Craig Williams.

Ireland (from): William Porterfield (captain), Andre Botha, Peter Connell, Alex Cusack, Phil Eaglestone, Trent Johnston, Kyle McCallan, John Mooney, Kevin O'Brien, Niall O'Brien, Andrew Poynter, Boyd Rankin, Regan West, Andrew White, Gary Wilson.