Namibia produced another memorable T20I performance against South Africa, beating their neighbours by 18 runs in the opening match of the tri-series in Windhoek on Friday. The victory was Namibia’s second successive T20I win over South Africa, having also beaten them in their previous meeting in Windhoek last October.
Namibia posted 163/9 after being asked to bat first and then restricted South Africa to 145/9 in their 20 overs. The match was, however, affected by a broadcast disruption after SuperSport confirmed that its coverage had to be discontinued because of poor incoming picture quality from the venue.
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“The broadcast of today’s T20I match between Namibia and South Africa on SuperSport had to be sadly discontinued due to poor incoming picture quality from the venue,” Proteas Men wrote in a statement.
“We apologise to all fans for the inconvenience and disappointment caused, and thank our loyal supporters for their patience, understanding and continued support.”
FRYLINCK, STEENKAMP SET PLATFORM FOR NAMIBIA
Namibia’s innings was built around a superb opening partnership between Louren Steenkamp and Jan Frylinck. The pair added 84 runs before Steenkamp departed for a brisk 41 off 29 balls, with three fours and two sixes.
Frylinck took the attack to South Africa, smashing 60 off just 38 balls at a strike rate of 157.89. His innings included six fours and two sixes and provided Namibia with the momentum to post a competitive total.
The hosts briefly appeared capable of pushing towards 200, but South Africa fought back effectively at the death. Prenelan Subrayen claimed 3/32, while captain Bjorn Fortuin returned impressive figures of 2/17.
The chase quickly became an uphill battle for the Proteas. Namibia’s attack struck at regular intervals, with Ruben Trumpelmann providing the spark. The left-arm fast bowler returned 3/24 from his four overs and produced the decisive breakthrough when he removed Dewald Brevis. Jonathan Smit also claimed three wickets as Namibia kept South Africa under pressure throughout the innings.
BREVIS RESISTS AS NAMIBIA HOLD THEIR NERVE
Brevis was the standout performer for South Africa, producing a brilliant 75 off 50 balls. The right-hander struck four fours and five sixes and kept the Proteas in the contest despite the early loss of wickets.
His dismissal in the 18th over proved crucial. With Brevis gone, South Africa’s hopes of pulling off a comeback victory faded, and they eventually fell short. Duan Jansen provided some late resistance with an unbeaten 25 off 17 balls, but Namibia held their nerve.
The tri-series is particularly significant as Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe prepare to co-host the 2027 ODI World Cup. All six league matches and the final are being played in Windhoek, making reliable broadcast coverage important as the tournament seeks to showcase the growth of cricket in the region.
For Namibia, the victory was a statement in itself. Frylinck and Steenkamp laid the foundation with the bat, while Trumpelmann and Smit helped dismantle South Africa’s chase. The hosts now have another opportunity to build on their growing reputation in the remainder of the tri-series.
– Ends
