Namibia repeat South Africa upset
Namibia produced another memorable upset against South Africa, defending 163/9 to secure an 18-run victory in the opening match of the Namibia T20I Tri-Series 2026 at the Namibia Cricket Ground on Friday. It was Namibia’s second win over South Africa in 10 months, underlining their growing stature in the shortest format. The hosts appeared to have left the door open after South Africa restricted them to 163, but their bowlers responded brilliantly to dismiss the Proteas for 145/9 in 20 overs. The Proteas’ bowlers suddenly found their rhythm and picked up six wickets for just 30 runs in the final five overs. Prenelan Subrayen led the fightback with 3/32, while captain Bjorn Fortuin bowled a disciplined spell to finish with 2/17. The late collapse prevented Namibia from reaching what could have been a significantly higher score, with the hosts eventually finishing on 163/9. The right-hander scored 75 from 50 balls, including five sixes, and repeatedly found boundaries to keep South Africa within touching distance of the target.
South Africa therefore needed 164 to begin the tri-series with a victory.