Lhuan-dre Pretorius smashed his maiden T20I century as South Africa secured a crucial victory over Namibia to finish top of the group.
South Africa strengthened their position at the top of the T20 tri-series standings after defeating Namibia by 11 runs in a high-scoring encounter. The victory gave the Proteas three wins from four matches and secured their place in the final against Zimbabwe.
The result also marked a strong response from South Africa after Namibia had defeated them in the opening match of the series. Consecutive victories over Zimbabwe had already restored momentum for the Proteas, who now enter the final in confident form.
South Africa posted an imposing 228 for four after a brilliant batting display led by Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Connor Esterhuizen. The pair added 156 runs for the opening wicket, putting Namibia under significant pressure from the early stages.
Esterhuizen produced an explosive innings of 88 from just 40 deliveries, striking eight sixes before being dismissed by John Balt. The Namibian pacer struck again shortly afterward, helping dismiss Dewald Brevis for three runs in partnership with Gerhard Erasmus.
Pretorius then completed his maiden T20I century, scoring 101 from 53 balls. His innings featured five boundaries and eight sixes, providing the foundation for South Africa’s imposing total.
Namibia responded strongly during the chase, with Louren Steenkamp and Jan Frylinck producing a 119-run opening partnership. Frylinck led the charge with a rapid 72 from 36 deliveries at a strike rate of 200.
Tony de Zorzi ended Frylinck’s innings with an impressive catch, while Steenkamp later had to retire hurt after scoring 61 from 44 balls. Captain Gerhard Erasmus continued the fight but Namibia’s chase eventually lost momentum.
Nqobani Mokoena and Andil Simelane claimed important wickets to restrict the hosts to 217, allowing South Africa to complete an 11-run victory.
South Africa will now face Zimbabwe in the tri-series final. The Proteas will aim to maintain their unbeaten record against the Chevrons, while Zimbabwe will enter the contest determined to overturn their recent defeats.