In a truly electrifying first-ever international cricket match, Namibia delivered a stunning upset, defeating cricketing powerhouse South Africa in a historic Twenty20 international on Saturday, thanks to wicketkeeper Zane Green’s explosive late-game performance. Green remained unbeaten at 30 runs, contributing 23 runs in the final two overs of this first-ever international clash between the neighboring African nations.
Green’s remarkable composure under pressure saw him smash 23 crucial runs in the final two overs. With 11 runs still needed from the last over, he calmly hooked Andile Simelane’s first delivery for a massive six and then sealed Namibia’s triumph by hitting the very last ball to the midwicket boundary.
This landmark match also served as the grand inauguration of the new Namibia Cricket Ground, which is slated to be one of the host venues for the 2027 Cricket World Cup, an event co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Namibian captain Gerhard Erasmus, clearly emotional, led his team on a triumphant victory lap before a packed, ecstatic crowd. “You can see what it means, for the team and the crowd,” he declared. “The guys did it with good skill.”
South Africa, on the other hand, arrived with a somewhat depleted squad, as several key players, including their regular captain Aiden Markram, were absent due to an upcoming Test series in Pakistan. Despite featuring players with international experience, the Proteas struggled to find their rhythm against a spirited Namibian team, fresh off qualifying for next year’s T20 World Cup in India.
Stand-in South African captain Donovan Ferreira acknowledged his team’s shortcomings. “We weren’t good enough,” he stated, further noting that their bowling efforts were hampered when fast bowler Gerald Coetzee suffered a chest muscle injury, forcing him out of the game after bowling just nine balls.
South Africa’s innings began on a shaky note when Quinton de Kock, making his first international appearance since the 2024 T20 World Cup, fell for just one run in the opening over. The team struggled to build momentum on the slow pitch, eventually posting a modest total of 134 runs for eight wickets after opting to bat first.
Pacing Namibia’s bowling attack was Ruben Trumpelmann, a player who ironically started his cricket journey in South Africa, who brilliantly claimed three wickets for 28 runs. Debutant Max Heingo also made an immediate impact, taking two quick wickets to reduce South Africa to 65 for five by the eleventh over.
Ultimately, South Africa concluded their 20 overs at 134 for 8, with J. Smith top-scoring with 31 runs and Trumpelmann being the standout bowler. Namibia successfully chased down this target, finishing with 138 for 6 in 20 overs, securing a memorable four-wicket win thanks to Zane Green’s heroics.
Brief Score: South Africa 134-8 (20 overs) (J. Smith 31; R. Trumpelmann 3-28) lost to Namibia 138-6 (20 overs) (Z. Green 30 not out) by 4 wickets.