Dewald Brevis’ 75 runs in vain as Namibia beat South Africa by 18 runs in tri-series opener

Namibia repeat upset of South Africa Namibia produced another memorable upset against South Africa as they fought back to 163/9 to seal an 18-run victory in the opening match of the 2026 Namibia T20I Tri-Series at the Namibia Cricket Ground on Friday. It was Namibia’s second win over South Africa in 10 months, underscoring their rising status 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.Dewald Brevis produced a brilliant 75 off 50 balls but his valiant effort failed to get South Africa over the line. Ruben Trumpelmann and JJ Smit took three wickets apiece to lead Namibia’s bowling attack.

Frylinck, Steenkamp provide a perfect start

Asked to bat first, Namibia made an explosive start through Jan Frylinck and Louren Steenkamp. The opening pair put together an 84-run partnership that gave the hosts the platform they needed to post a competitive total.Frylinck was particularly impressive as he blasted 60 off 38 balls with six fours and two sixes. Steenkamp complemented him brilliantly with a brisk 41 off 29 deliveries. Namibia looked set for a much bigger total when they reached 133/3 in the 15th over, but South Africa hit hard in the last five overs.The Proteas bowlers suddenly found their rhythm and took six wickets in just 30 runs in the last five overs. Prenelan Subrayen led the charge with 3/32 while skipper Bjorn Fortuin produced a disciplined spell to finish with 2/17.A late collapse prevented Namibia from reaching what could have been a significantly higher score, with the hosts eventually finishing on 163/9. South Africa therefore needed 164 to start the tri-series with a win.

Namibian pacers rattle the Proteas

The chase got off to a poor start for South Africa as Namibia’s seamen immediately applied the pressure. Trumpelmann was particularly effective when using his left arm angle to disrupt the Proteas top order. He eventually finished with 3/24 while Smit provided excellent support with 3/31.South Africa’s young batting line-up struggled to build partnerships, leaving Brevis with the responsibility of keeping the chase alive. Brevis responded with a wonderful counterattack.The right-hander scored 75 off 50 balls, including five sixes, and repeatedly found boundaries to keep South Africa within reach of the target.With wickets falling around him, Brevis continued to attack and looked capable of bringing the Proteas close to victory. But his dismissal in the 18th over effectively ended South Africa’s hopes.Duan Jansen mounted a late push with 25 off 17 balls, but Namibia’s bowlers held their nerve in the closing overs.With the required pace climbing and wickets running out, South Africa finished on 145/9, 18 runs short of the target.