South Africa edge Namibia to reach Tri-Series final

South Africa survived a late Namibian charge to win by 11 runs in Windhoek and book a place in Sunday’s T20I Tri-Series final against Zimbabwe.

Sent in to bat, the Proteas reached 228 for four through a destructive opening partnership. Lhuan-dre Pretorius struck 101 from 53 balls, including five fours and eight sixes, while Connor Esterhuizen smashed 88 from 40 balls with six fours and eight sixes. Together they took South Africa to 156 before Esterhuizen fell in the 12th over. Pretorius continued the attack and completed his century from 52 balls.

Namibia made a strong start to the chase. Jan Frylinck reached a 28-ball half-century and finished with 72 from 36 balls. Louren Steenkamp added 61 from 44 balls before retiring hurt with Namibia on 167 for one after 15.6 overs.

The hosts still needed 62 from the last four overs but remained in contention. JJ Smit scored nine from four balls before Nqobani Mokoena dismissed him, while Ruben Trumpelmann hit 21 from 10 deliveries to keep Namibia’s hopes alive. Mokoena held his nerve at the finish, dismissing Trumpelmann with the final ball as Namibia ended on 217 for three.

The result gave South Africa its first T20 international victory over Namibia and secured a final against Zimbabwe on Sunday. Namibia’s determined chase nevertheless ended its campaign without a win over its neighbors.