Follow UsThe match was arranged to showcase Namibia’s growing cricket culture with a new stadium launch – Namibia Cricket Ground, built especially for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
However, the record full house crowd of 7,000 people witnessed history in the making, not only with the inauguration of the ground, but also with Namibia’s first ever victory against South Africa in any form of cricket.
A second-string South African side was beaten by the Namibians in a last ball thriller on October 11 (Saturday).
Chasing 135 to win, Namibia did not have a flawless start as they lost their first four wickets in the first 10 overs with only 66 runs on the board. The task got tougher with the fifth wicket falling and wicketkeeper Zane Green joined the last recognised batter, Malan Kruger at the crease.
However, Kruger too got out with 34 more runs needed in 21 balls to win the match and bowling all-rounder Ruben Trumpelmann supported Green, who played one of his most vital innings of his career.
Green was batting at 6 off 11 balls before he hit two fours and a six and Trumpelmann complemented him with an 8-ball 11. With 11 needed off the last over, Green took it upon himself to win it.
Green hit a six on the first ball and then, with one needed off the last two balls and despite playing a dot to make it one off one, he remained calm and hit the last ball for a four.
Earlier in the day, South Africa won the toss and opted to bat first. It was a match where Quinton de Kock was making his international comeback, having announced his ODI retirement earlier at the end of the 2023 World Cup. He did not play for South Africa T20Is after the T20 World Cup 2024.
Despite de Kock’s return, South Africa managed only 134/8 in their 20 overs, with Jason Smith top scoring with 31.