South Africa ended their losing streak against Namibia in a high-scoring thriller on Friday, securing an 11-run victory in Windhoek to book a place in the Tri-Series final against Zimbabwe. The tourists posted a formidable 228 for four, effectively breaking a jinx that had seen them drop their previous two T20 encounters against their neighbors.
The foundation for the massive total was laid by a blistering 156-run opening partnership between Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Connor Esterhuizen, which came off just 69 deliveries. Pretorius anchored the innings with a maiden T20 International century, scoring 101 from 53 balls, while Esterhuizen contributed a rapid 88 from 40 balls. Both batters dominated the flat wicket, each striking eight sixes against a struggling bowling attack, with spinner Jan Balt emerging as the only bowler to maintain composure, finishing with figures of 2-31 from his four overs.
Namibia responded with a spirited chase, led by Jan Frylinck, who scored 72 from 36 balls, and Louren Steenkamp, who added 61 from 44 balls. The pair combined for a 119-run opening stand in 65 balls to keep the hosts in the hunt. However, the momentum shifted when Steenkamp was forced to retire hurt at the end of the 16th over after sustaining blows to his head and arm.
Despite staying in contention for most of the innings, Namibia eventually ran out of steam, finishing their allotted 20 overs at 217 for three. The two teams are scheduled to return to the same venue this Sunday, where South Africa will face Zimbabwe in the tournament final. The report also notes that with spinner Jan Balt (2-31 in four overs) the only one to come through relatively unscathed, both batters hit eight sixes on the flat wicket as they tore into the home bowling attack.
