Namibia produced one other memorable upset in opposition to South Africa, defending 163/9 to safe an 18-run victory within the opening match of the Namibia T20I Tri-Collection 2026 on the Namibia Cricket Floor on Friday. It was Namibia’s second win over South Africa in 10 months, underlining their rising stature within the shortest format. The hosts appeared to have left the door open after South Africa restricted them to 163, however their bowlers responded brilliantly to dismiss the Proteas for 145/9 in 20 overs.Dewald Brevis produced an outstanding 75 off 50 balls, however his valiant effort couldn’t take South Africa over the road. Ruben Trumpelmann and JJ Smit claimed three wickets apiece to guide Namibia’s bowling assault.
Frylinck, Steenkamp present good begin
Requested to bat first, Namibia made an explosive begin by way of Jan Frylinck and Louren Steenkamp. The opening pair put collectively an 84-run partnership, giving the hosts the platform they wanted to put up a aggressive complete.Frylinck was notably spectacular, hanging 60 off 38 balls with six fours and two sixes. Steenkamp complemented him completely with a brisk 41 off 29 deliveries. Namibia appeared set for a a lot greater complete once they reached 133/3 within the fifteenth over, however South Africa hit again strongly through the last 5 overs.The Proteas’ bowlers instantly discovered their rhythm and picked up six wickets for simply 30 runs within the last 5 overs. Prenelan Subrayen led the fightback with 3/32, whereas captain Bjorn Fortuin bowled a disciplined spell to complete with 2/17.The late collapse prevented Namibia from reaching what might have been a considerably increased rating, with the hosts finally ending on 163/9. South Africa subsequently wanted 164 to start the tri-series with a victory.
Namibia pacers rattle Proteas
The chase started poorly for South Africa as Namibia’s seamers instantly utilized strain. Trumpelmann was notably efficient, utilizing his left-arm angle to bother the Proteas’ prime order. He finally completed with 3/24, whereas Smit supplied glorious help with 3/31.South Africa’s younger batting line-up struggled to construct partnerships, leaving Brevis with the duty of maintaining the chase alive. Brevis responded with a powerful counter-attacking innings.The precise-hander scored 75 from 50 balls, together with 5 sixes, and repeatedly discovered boundaries to maintain South Africa inside touching distance of the goal.With wickets falling round him, Brevis continued to assault and appeared able to taking the Proteas near victory. However his dismissal within the 18th over successfully ended South Africa’s hopes.Duan Jansen supplied a late push with 25 off 17 balls, however Namibia’s bowlers held their nerve through the closing overs.With the required charge climbing and wickets working out, South Africa completed on 145/9, 18 runs in need of the goal.
