South Africa survived a late scare from Namibia to secure an 11-run victory in the final match of the Namibia Tri-Series 2026. Asked to bat first, the visitors posted 228/4 after a dominant opening partnership, but Namibia pushed them all the way in a thrilling chase.

The result ended Namibia’s hopes of reaching the final, with South Africa and Zimbabwe set to meet in Sunday’s title clash. The hosts can still take plenty of positives from a campaign that saw them beat South Africa and come close against Zimbabwe on two occasions.

Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Connor Esterhuizen put South Africa in control

South Africa made an explosive start after being put into bat, with Connor Esterhuizen and Lhuan-dre Pretorius adding 156 runs for the opening wicket. Esterhuizen was particularly aggressive during the powerplay, smashing five sixes on his way to 40 off 21 balls. He continued his attack after the fielding restrictions and took 24 runs from Jack Brassell’s second over, bringing up his fifty from just 26 deliveries.

Esterhuizen eventually fell for 88, but Pretorius remained at the crease to push South Africa towards a huge total. Pretorius had missed out on a century three days earlier after being dismissed for 94 against Zimbabwe, but he made no mistake this time. He brought up his hundred with a six off Gerhard Erasmus in the final over before being bowled two balls later, finishing with 101 as South Africa reached 228/4.

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Jan Frylinck and Louren Steenkamp keep Namibia in the hunt

Namibia responded strongly as Jan Frylinck and Louren Steenkamp raced to 67 without loss in the powerplay. Frylinck led the assault, hitting five sixes and bringing up his fifty from 28 balls before the opening pair completed a 119-run partnership. Frylinck eventually fell for 72, while Steenkamp continued the fight before retiring hurt on 61 after being struck on the arm by Eathan Bosch. JJ Smit added nine before falling, leaving Namibia needing 24 runs from the final over.

Nqobani Mokoena held his nerve despite bowling two wides and a full toss, denying Namibia a boundary in the final over before taking the final wicket. Namibia finished on 217/3, falling 11 runs short of their target in a match that produced 445 runs. South Africa’s victory confirmed their place in the final against Zimbabwe, while Namibia bowed out after an impressive campaign on home soil.

Pure dominance from Lhuan Pretorius!

A sensational 121* sets up an 11-run victory for South Africa in a absolute run-fest against Namibia 💥#SouthAfricaCricketTeam pic.twitter.com/nW3IDh5DPD

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) September 5, 2026

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