Namibia created history on Saturday by defeating South Africa by four wickets in a thrilling T20I encounter at the Namibia Cricket Ground (NCG) in Windhoek.
The hosts chased down a target of 135 on the final ball of the match, securing their first-ever win against a full-member nation.
Earlier, South Africa won the toss and opted to bat first but struggled to find rhythm on a tricky batting surface.
Quinton de Kock’s international comeback ended quickly as he was dismissed for just one run. Namibia’s bowlers maintained consistent pressure throughout the innings, restricting the Proteas to 134 for 8.
For South Africa, Jason Smith top-scored with 31 and Bjorn Fortuin added 19 runs, while Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Rubin Hermann made brief contributions.
Ruben Trumpelmann led the attack with three wickets, while Max Heingo clinched two. Gerhard Erasmus, Ben Shikongo and JJ Smit chipped in with a wicket each.
In response, Namibia made a steady start and kept the chase alive despite regular setbacks. They reached 51 for 3 after seven overs before losing Malan Kruger at 101 in the 17th over.
With 34 runs needed off the final three overs, Zane Green and Ruben Trumpelmann formed a crucial 37-run partnership off just 21 balls. Their fearless batting carried Namibia home, with the winning runs coming on the very last ball.
Defending a modest total, South Africa’s bowlers fought hard despite the injury to Gerald Coetzee, who managed to bowl only nine legal deliveries. Nandre Burger and Andile Simelane took two wickets each, while Bjorn Fortuin picked up one.
The victory marked a historic moment for Namibia, as it was South Africa’s first-ever defeat against an associate nation in T20I cricket. The match also served as a memorable inauguration for the Namibia Cricket Ground, which hosted its first international fixture.