Namibia produced a strong all-round performance to defeat South Africa by 18 runs in the opening match of the Namibia T20I Tri Series in Windhoek on Friday.
After being invited to bat first Namibia posted 163-9 from their 20 overs. Jan Frylinck led the way with a fluent 60 off 38 balls, including six fours and two sixes, while opener Louren Steenkamp contributed 41 from 29.
Frylinck and Steenkamp put on 84 for the opening wicket before Namibia lost regular wickets. Gerhard Erasmus added 19, while Ruben Trumpelmann provided a late boost with 12 from just six balls.
South Africa’s bowlers were led by Prenelan Subrayen, who claimed 3-32, while Duan Jansen and Bjorn Fortuin took two wickets each.
Chasing 164, South Africa struggled early and slipped to 39-3 before Dewald Brevis launched a counter-attack. The young batter struck an impressive 75 from 50 balls, hitting four fours and five sixes, to keep South Africa in contention.
Brevis received some support from Duan Jansen, who remained unbeaten on 25 from 17 balls, but Namibia’s bowlers kept taking wickets at crucial stages. South Africa eventually finished on 145-9, falling short despite Brevis’ aggressive innings.
Ruben Trumpelmann was the standout bowler for Namibia, taking 3-24 from his four overs, while player of the match JJ Smit claimed 3-31. Jack Brassell and Max Heingo also took a wicket each.
Zimbabwe are the others featuring in the series.
