The Netherlands inched closer to its third victory in the ICC Intercontinental Cup at the ICC Academy in Dubai on Friday, after setting Namibia a mammoth 522-run target and reducing them to 161 for 5 in 41 overs by the end of day three.

Netherlands, who had piled up 501 for 8 declared in its first innings, resumed the third day with a massive lead of 298 runs after bowling out Namibia for 203 on Thursday.

Despite losing Stephan Myburgh for nought early, Wesley Barresi (37) and Ben Cooper (19) chipped in with some handy runs before Peter Borren, the captain, and Bas de Leede took charge. The duo put together 122 runs for the fourth wicket with Borren doing most of the scoring.

The 34-year-old scored his runs at 80.19 and hit six fours and a maximum in his knock of 85. Once Roelof van der Merwe, who had made a 193-ball 175 in the first innings, was dismissed by Danie van Schoor (2 for 39) on 12, the Netherlands opted for the declaration with the score at 223 for 5 in 52.3 overs. Meanwhile, de Leede remained unconquered on 56.

Namibia’s reply was rocked early when it lost Stephan Baard (4), the first-innings centurion, and Zane Green (4) inside three overs. Louis van der Westhuizen (52), Craig George Williams (33) and Gerhard Erasmus (33) formed two decent partnerships between them but failed to carry on.

At the close of play, Jan Frylinck and Sarel Burger, the skipper, remained unbeaten on 21 and 8 respectively.