South Africa successfully ended their losing streak against Namibia on Friday, securing an 11-run victory in their Tri-Series clash in Windhoek. The win propelled the visitors into Sunday’s final, where they are set to face Zimbabwe at the same venue.
Sent in to bat first, South Africa posted a commanding total of 228 for four. The foundation was laid by a blistering 156-run opening partnership between Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Connor Esterhuizen, which came from just 69 deliveries. Pretorius reached his maiden Twenty20 International century, finishing with 101 from 53 balls, while Esterhuizen contributed 88 from 40. Both players were aggressive on the flat wicket, each striking eight sixes. Namibia’s spinner Jan Balt provided the only resistance, finishing with figures of 2-31 from his four overs.
Namibia, who had previously defeated South Africa in two consecutive T20 encounters, mounted a strong response but ultimately fell short, finishing on 217 for three. Their chase began with a promising 119-run opening stand between Jan Frylinck, who scored 72 from 36 balls, and Louren Steenkamp, who added 61 from 44.
The hosts’ momentum was hampered late in the innings, particularly after Steenkamp was forced to retire hurt at the end of the 16th over. He sustained injuries to his head and arm in separate incidents, leaving the team unable to maintain the required scoring rate during the final stages of the match. The report also notes that namibia were in the contest for much of their innings but ran out of steam towards the back end as they reached 217 for three in their allotted 20 overs.
