Namibia stun South Africa again in T20I tri-series; South Africa face Zimbabwe next
Namibia beat South Africa by 18 runs in the opening match of the T20I tri-series in Windhoek on August 28, and South Africa will play Zimbabwe on Saturday, August 29.
Another Namibian upset
In the opening game of the 2026 Namibia–South Africa–Zimbabwe T20I tri-series, Namibia defeated South Africa by 18 runs in Windhoek on August 28, according to The Times of India. Batting first, Namibia posted 163 for 9, built on a strong start of 57 runs without loss in the powerplay and an 84-run opening partnership, before a middle-order collapse triggered by South African spinners Prenelan Subrayen and captain Bjorn Fortuin slowed their momentum.
Chasing 164, South Africa lost both openers cheaply. Dewald Brevis fought a lone battle, scoring 75 off 50 balls with five sixes, but once he was dismissed in the 18th over, South Africa's chase fell apart. Namibia's bowlers, led by Ruben Trumpelmann (3 for 24) and JJ Smit (3 for 31), kept South Africa's lower order in check throughout; Smit was named player of the match.
Captains react
Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus said the win proved their earlier upset over South Africa was not a fluke, and that with three matches remaining, the team's goal is to reach and win the final. South Africa captain Bjorn Fortuin admitted disappointment, saying his side conceded 20 to 30 runs too many and lost their way during the bowling powerplay, adding there was little time to dwell on the result before facing Zimbabwe.
What's next
According to The Times of India, the tri-series continues on Saturday, August 29, 2026, when South Africa play Zimbabwe, with the match starting at 12:00 pm GMT. The tournament features the national teams of Namibia, Zimbabwe and South Africa; per information published by the ICC, the squads are captained by Gerhard Erasmus, Sikandar Raza and Bjorn Fortuin respectively.
