Namibia pulled off a stunning upset, defeating South Africa by four wickets in a thrilling one-off T20 match played at the newly built stadium in Windhoek. The dramatic victory marked a historic moment, as it was the first-ever international encounter between the two neighboring nations across all formats.
South Africa Struggles to Post a Modest Total
After winning the toss, South Africa opted to bat first but failed to put up a challenging total, finishing on 134 runs. Their innings lacked momentum as Namibia’s disciplined bowling restricted scoring opportunities throughout.
Jason Smith was the top scorer with 31 runs, while returning star Quinton de Kock, coming out of international retirement, could manage only 1 run before being dismissed cheaply.
Namibia’s bowling attack was impressive, with Ruben Trumpelmann leading the charge by taking three wickets, and Tangeni Lungameni Hango chipping in with two crucial scalps to keep the Proteas in check.
Namibia Chase Down Target in a Nail-Biting Finish
Chasing a target of 135, Namibia showed remarkable composure under pressure. The match went down to the final delivery, where the hosts held their nerves to complete a four-wicket victory and make history on home soil.
Zane Green, celebrating his birthday, guided Namibia to victory with an unbeaten 30 runs, while captain Gerhard Erasmus contributed 21 runs in a steady partnership. Their calculated batting in the final overs ensured that Namibia reached the target exactly on the last ball of the innings.
For South Africa, Sybrand Engelbrecht and Burger took two wickets each, but their efforts weren’t enough to stop Namibia’s determined chase.
A Historic Moment for Namibian Cricket
This victory will go down as one of the most memorable moments in Namibian cricket history. Winning against a full-member nation like South Africa not only boosts their confidence but also highlights the rapid progress of their cricketing structure.
The thrilling last-ball finish also showcased Namibia’s growing potential in international cricket, signaling that they are no longer underdogs but a team capable of producing major upsets.
