South Africa held their nerve in a thrilling high-scoring contest against Namibia, securing an 11-run victory at the Namibia Cricket Ground in Windhoek on Friday to book their place in the Namibia T20I Tri-Series final.After posting a mammoth 228/4 in 20 overs, South Africa were pushed all the way by the hosts, who finished on 217/3 despite a spirited chase. The result means South Africa will face Zimbabwe in the final on Sunday.
Pretorius, Esterhuizen power South Africa to 228
South Africa’s innings was dominated by a spectacular opening partnership between Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Connor Esterhuizen. Esterhuizen smashed 88 off just 40 balls, clearing the ropes eight times and hitting six fours, while Pretorius produced the innings of the day with a magnificent 101 off 53 balls, including five fours and eight sixes. Their opening stand was worth 156 runs and laid the foundation for a daunting total.Pretorius reached his maiden T20I century in the final over, completing the landmark in 52 deliveries. His hundred came only days after he had narrowly missed out against Zimbabwe with a career-best 94.South Africa eventually finished on 228/4, setting Namibia a required run rate of 11.45 an over.
Namibia launch stunning fightback
Namibia refused to surrender despite the enormous target. Openers Louren Steenkamp and Jan Frylinck gave the hosts exactly the start they needed, keeping pace with the asking rate and putting South Africa under pressure.Frylinck produced a sensational 72 off 36 balls, while Steenkamp contributed a composed 61 off 44, ensuring Namibia remained firmly in the contest for much of the chase. Namibia crossed 200 with the game still alive, leaving South Africa facing a tense finish.The final overs belonged to South Africa’s bowlers as they finally managed to squeeze the boundaries out of Namibia.With the hosts needing a huge finish, Nqobani Mokoena delivered the decisive blow in the final over. He dismissed Ruben Trumpelmann caught behind, with Connor Esterhuizen completing the catch, as Namibia ended on 217/3 after 19.6 overs.The result also confirmed the final line-up: South Africa will meet Zimbabwe in Sunday’s final, while Namibia’s impressive campaign ends with a narrow defeat despite their remarkable 217-run chase.
