Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
SOUTH Africa set up a final date with Zimbabwe in the final of the T20I Triangular series after edging battling hosts Namibia by 11 runs in a high-scoring decider at the Namibia Cricket Ground yesterday.
The Proteas finished top of the group with six points, followed by Zimbabwe on four, while the hosts bowed out of the competition on two points.
Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza welcomed the opportunity to face South Africa again in the final as another important step in his team’s development after the Chevrons suffered defeats in both round-robin meetings against the Proteas.
Raza said he had been encouraged by the improvements shown by his side, particularly in their victories over Namibia, including Thursday’s convincing five-wicket win.
“For the fans and for the country, we have given ourselves the best chance of playing in the final,” Raza said.
“But for me what it does, I have seen the growth and improvement from the previous games.
“There were areas of concern for me which we addressed in the change room and when I looked at it, I thought we had improved on those areas.
“For me as a captain that is a good sign as I genuinely believe process over results. Results matter for the growth of a country and also for the change room and the youngsters because there is more confidence and I get that.”
Zimbabwe’s qualification hopes rested on South Africa completing the job against Namibia, and the Proteas duly delivered to set up a title showdown with the Chevrons.
Connor Esterhuizen and centurion Lhuan-dre Pretorius put on a masterclass with the bat amassing a total of 228/4, which proved tall order for their opponents.
The Namibians gave a solid chase but eventually ended their innings on 217/3 in their allotted 20 overs.
The foundation was laid for the Proteas when Pretorius and wicket-keeper Esterhuizen started with an immense partnership of 156 runs for the opening wicket.
Esterhuizen led the duo as he reached 88 off 40 deliveries, clocking eight sixes before falling to a quick one from John Balt.
The Namibian pacer was in action again, as only 10 balls later he combined with Gerhard Erasmus to dismiss Dewald Brevis for only three runs.
Pretorious, brought up his maiden T20I ton (101 runs off 53 balls) to guide his side to an impressive total, that included five boundaries and eight sixes.
Similar to their opponents, The Eagles were out of the blocks quickly and installed hope in their side with a 119-opening stand from Louren Steemkamp and Jan Frylinck.
Frylinck led the chase with a quickfire 72 runs off 36 balls, at a strike rate of 200, before being cut short by a spectacular catch from Tony de Zorzi.
Skipper Gerhard Erasmus joined the batting partnership looking to push on but after a valiant 61 off 44 deliveries, Steenkamp was forced to retire hurt.
Wickets from Nqobani Mokoena and Andil Simelane helped slow down the Namibian chase and eventually see out a close encounter to secure a vital victory, stopping the hosts for a total of 217.
The table leaders are in top form entering the final bout but will have to prepare for a motivated opponent in Zimbabwe, who are ready to get one back following back-to-back defeats to the men in green and gold.
Man of the match Pretorius said they were taking it one game at a time after edging Namibia yesterday.
“We got the victory, and that’s what we needed to head into Sunday. Before this game, we said we want to take it game by game, and we took it today as today, and then we knew the rest would take care of itself, and we’ll take on Sunday as it comes,” he said.
