Pretorius Century Ends South Africa's Namibia Hoodoo in Windhoek Thriller
The Proteas edged Namibia by 11 runs in a final-over finish to claim their first T20I win over the hosts in the tri-series.
South Africa finally broke their losing run against Namibia, prevailing by 11 runs in a tense finish during the sixth match of the Namibia T20I Tri-Series in Windhoek. Having lost both prior encounters in the series, the Proteas held their nerve in the closing overs to secure a hard-fought victory.
Lhuan-dre Pretorius anchored the South African innings with a maiden T20I hundred, reaching his fifty-plus score off just 52 deliveries while striking eight sixes and five fours. He shared a 156-run opening stand with Connor Esterhuizen, who smashed 88 from 40 balls, powering the visitors to a commanding total of 228 for 4 after being asked to bat first. Jan Balt was Namibia's most effective bowler, claiming 2 for 31.
Namibia's reply began explosively as Louren Steenkamp and Jan Frylinck put on a rapid 110-run opening partnership within ten overs. Frylinck brought up his half-century in just 28 deliveries, but South Africa's bowlers tightened the screws in the middle overs. Despite the hosts' promising start, they ultimately fell short, handing the Proteas their first triumph over Namibia in the series.