Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
NAMIBIA put up a spirited performance in the third and final T20I to beat Zimbabwe by 28runs and end the three-match T20I series on a high note.
Going into the match, the Chevrons had already won the series, enjoying an unassailable 2-0 lead but were outplayed with both bat and ball for a determined FNB Eagles side.
Zimbabwe won the series 2-1.
After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Namibia dominated the powerplay, scoring 85 runs for the loss of just a single wicket in their first six overs. They then finished their innings on 204/7. Sean Williams’ fighting half century wasn’t enough to see the Chevrons pull off the chase, as they were bowled out for 176 runs in 19.5 overs.
It was opening batter Jan Frylinck who did most of the damage with the bat for Namibia. The opening batter brought up a 13-ball half century, the joint third fastest 50 in men’s T20Is before eventually departing for 77 runs off 31 balls.
Ruben Trumpelmann chipped in with 46 runs off 24 balls for the visitors while Alexander Busing-Volschenke made an unbeaten 20 runs off 11 balls.
The Chevrons skipper Sikandar Raza was the most successful finishing with figures of 3/25 in his four overs. Tinotenda Maposa,Wellington Masakadza and Blessing Muzarabani picked up one wicket each for Zimbabwe.
The Chevrons’ chase got off to a poor start, losing their openers inside two overs.
Sean Williams fought a lone battle with the bat, top scoring with 77 runs off 45 balls. Ryan Burl chipped in with 32 runs off 24 balls, not enough to take the team through.
JJ Smit finished with figures of 4/29 for Namibia Trumpelmann and Erasmus picked up two scalps apiece.
