Sports Correspondent
Zimbabwe’s hopes of ending the Namibia T20I Tri-Series with a trophy were dashed on Sunday after South Africa produced a commanding 48-run victory in the final at the Namibia Cricket Ground in Windhoek.
The Proteas, who were fielding an experimental squad, posted a formidable 205 for five after winning the toss and electing to bat before bowling Zimbabwe out for 157 in 17.5 overs.
Jordan Hermann was the star of South Africa’s batting effort, smashing 53 off 29 balls to register his maiden T20 International half-century.
He shared an opening stand of 84 with Connor Esterhuizen, who contributed a brisk 32 off 23 deliveries. Dewald Brevis added 32 while Rubin Hermann chipped in with 27 as South Africa maintained a high scoring rate throughout their innings.
Zimbabwe’s chase got off to a disastrous start as the Chevrons lost four wickets early, leaving them in serious trouble at 24 for four.
The early collapse put South Africa firmly in control, with their bowlers continuing to apply pressure through the middle overs.
Brad Evans provided Zimbabwe with some much-needed resistance, scoring an unbeaten 56 from 31 balls, including a maiden T20I half-century, but he lacked sufficient support to turn the match around.
South African captain Bjorn Fortuin was particularly effective with the ball, finishing with three wickets for 24 runs, while Duan Jansen claimed three for 38.
Evans and Kundai Matigimu briefly revived Zimbabwe’s hopes with a ninth-wicket partnership worth 52 runs from 28 balls. However, Kwena Maphaka eventually removed Matigimu before the Zimbabwe innings ended in the 18th over.
The victory completed South Africa’s clean sweep over Zimbabwe in the tournament, having already beaten the Chevrons twice during the round-robin stage.
South Africa had initially suffered a shock defeat to hosts Namibia in the tournament opener but recovered strongly to reach the final. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, had beaten Namibia to secure their place in the title decider.
The tri-series served as important preparation for the three teams, who are all co-hosts of the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, with the Namibia Cricket Ground in Windhoek among the venues earmarked for the tournament.
Final score:
South Africa 205/5 (20 overs)
Zimbabwe 157 all out (17.5 overs)
South Africa won by 48 runs.
