Namibia Defeat Proteas By 18 Runs In Windhoek Tri-Series Opener
Namibia produced another memorable performance against South Africa, defeating the Proteas by 18 runs in Windhoek to move 2-0 ahead in their fledgling T20I rivalry.
Batting first after South Africa won the toss and elected to field, Namibia posted 163/9 from their 20 overs, with Jan Frylinck leading the charge with an impressive 60 off 38 deliveries.
Frylinck struck six fours and two sixes in an attacking innings that laid the foundation for Namibia’s total. Louren Steenkamp also played an important role at the top of the order, contributing 41 off 29 balls as the hosts raced to 85/1 after 10 overs.
South Africa fought back strongly during the second half of the innings, with captain Bjorn Fortuin returning figures of 2/17 and Prenelan Subrayen claiming 3/32. However, Namibia’s lower order ensured they still finished with a competitive 163/9.
The Proteas’ chase never quite gathered the required momentum. Namibia continued to take wickets at crucial stages before South Africa eventually finished on 145/9 from their 20 overs, handing the hosts an 18-run victory.
Dewald Brevis top-scored for South Africa with 75 off 50 balls, while Ruben Trumpelmann and JJ Smit were the pick of the Namibian bowlers, taking outstanding figures of 3/24 and 3/31 respectively.
The victory marks another significant milestone for Namibia, who have now defeated South Africa in both of the sides’ T20I meetings.
The first came in October 2025, when Namibia stunned a South African side by four wickets in the inaugural international at the Namibia Cricket Ground. South Africa posted 134/8 before Namibia chased down the target off the final delivery, finishing on 138/6.
That result gave Namibia a 1-0 advantage in the head-to-head record before Friday’s encounter. The Eagles have now doubled that advantage to 2-0, maintaining a perfect record against their more fancied neighbours.
For South Africa, the defeat will be a disappointing start to the tri-series, particularly after restricting Namibia to what appeared to be a manageable total. For Namibia, however, another victory over the Proteas further underlines their growing confidence and the increasing competitiveness of cricket in the region.
With Zimbabwe also involved in the tri-series, both sides will have further opportunities to build momentum. For now, though, Namibia can celebrate another historic day after once again defeating South Africa.
