SA vs NAM (Only T20I) – Highlights
In one of the most memorable nights in Namibian cricket history, the hosts defeated South Africa by four wickets in the only T20I at Windhoek, clinching victory off the final ball. A composed chase, anchored by Zane Green and finished off by the fiery Ruben Trumpelmann, gave Namibia a famous win against their powerful southern neighbors. It wasn’t just a win — it was a statement that Namibia’s rise in world cricket is no fluke.
SA, batting first after being put in on a dry, two-paced surface, never quite found their rhythm. Their innings of 134 for 8 felt below par from the outset. Lhuan-dre Pretorius started brightly but fell for 22, while Quinton de Kock’s early dismissal for just one run further dented momentum. Reeza Hendricks and Rubin Hermann threatened to rebuild, but Namibia’s bowlers, led by the irrepressible Trumpelmann, kept striking at key intervals.
Jason Smith’s 31 off 30 balls was SA’s top contribution, a patient yet restrained innings that summed up the tourists’ struggle to accelerate. Trumpelmann’s left-arm pace and clever variations accounted for three wickets, including both Hendricks and Smith. He was well supported by Max Heingo, who picked up two wickets despite leaking runs, while skipper Gerhard Erasmus once again showed his knack for timely breakthroughs. Bernard Scholtz’s spell of 4-0-16-0 added the control Namibia needed in the middle overs, tightening the noose.
NAM chase of 135 began nervously. Openers Louren Steenkamp and Jan Frylinck fell cheaply, and when Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton departed with the score on 51, South Africa sniffed an opening. Erasmus and JJ Smit tried to steady the ship, but wickets continued to fall at regular intervals, leaving Namibia 84 for 5 in the 13th over. The game looked tilted toward the Proteas until Zane Green took charge.
Green, NAM wicketkeeper-batter, played the innings of his life under pressure. His unbeaten 30 off 23 balls wasn’t just about runs; it was about temperament. He kept his composure as the asking rate crept above seven and built a crucial partnership with Trumpelmann, who smashed an unbeaten 11 off eight deliveries to take Namibia home. The pair’s unbroken 37-run stand turned the match around and ignited celebrations in the packed Windhoek stands.
South Africa’s bowlers toiled hard but couldn’t finish the job. Nandre Burger’s two wickets for 21 were impressive, and Andile Simelane’s twin strikes kept things tense, but a series of wides and no-balls at crucial moments cost them dearly. Gerald Coetzee’s fiery short spell ended with him conceding 14 in just 1.3 overs, including four wides that summed up South Africa’s lack of discipline.
When Trumpelmann clipped the final delivery past the point for two, Namibia erupted. It was a defining moment a team built on domestic passion and smart development programs outclassing a full-member nation. For Trumpelmann, who bagged 3 for 28 and finished unbeaten, it was the perfect all-round display, earning him a well-deserved Player of the Match award.
South Africa vs Namibia Scoreboard
South Africa – 134/8 (20)
Namibia – 138/6 (20)
Result – Namibia won by 4 wickets (with 0 balls remaining)
Player of the Match – Ruben Trumpelmann
Ruben Trumpelmann
SA vs NAM Playing XIs
South Africa | Donovan Ferreira (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Jason Smith, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Rubin Hermann, Andile Simelane, Bjorn Fortuin, Gerald Coetzee, Lizaad Williams, Nandre Burger. |
Namibia | Gerhard Erasmus (c), Zane Green (wk), JJ Smit, Ruben Trumpelmann, Jan Frylinck, Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Louren Steenkamp, Bernard Scholtz, Ben Shikongo, Max Heingo, Malan Kruger. |
Disclaimer: This blog post reflects the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the perspectives shared and draw their own conclusions.
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