Pretorius’ Century Guides South Africa Into Tri-Series Final
Tos:
Islamabad:South Africa’s Laender Pretorius smashed his maiden T20 international century, scoring 101 off 53 balls, to help the visitors end Namibia’s winning run against them with an 11-run victory in Windhoek on Friday.
The result secured South Africa a place in the Tri-Series final against Zimbabwe.
Namibia had defeated South Africa in their previous two T20 meetings, with both victories coming against weakened South African sides. However, the hosts struggled to contain the visitors this time as South Africa posted an imposing 228 for four.
Namibia remained in the chase for most of their innings but lost momentum in the closing stages, finishing on 217 for three after their allotted 20 overs.
South Africa were sent in to bat and a 156-run opening stand from 69 deliveries between Pretorius and Connor Esterhuizen (88 from 40 balls) set them up for a massive total.
Both batters hit eight sixes on the flat wicket as they tore into the home bowling attack, with spinner Jan Balt (2-31 in four overs) the only one to come through relatively unscathed.
Namibia also had a fantastic start as Jan Frylinck (72 from 36 balls) and Louren Steenkamp (61 from 44 balls) put on 119 in 65 balls for the first wicket, but fell just short.
They were not helped by Steenkamp retiring hurt at the end of the 16th over after he took a blow to the head and then the arm in separate incidents.
South Africa will play Zimbabwe in the series final at the same venue on Sunday.
