By Kevin Rademeyer, Sports Journalist.
Photo Credit: CSA X Account.
The Proteas have suffered their second successive defeat to their neighbours Namibia in Windhoek.
Dewald Brevis produced a determined 75, but it was not enough to prevent Namibia from stunning South Africa once again in Windhoek. The hosts held their nerve at the Namibia Cricket Ground on Friday to beat the Proteas by 18 runs,
Namibia had plenty of reason to believe early on. After Bjorn Fortuin chose to field, Jan Frylinck and Louren Steenkamp attacked the South African bowlers from the outset, putting on 84 for the opening wicket.
South Africa also suffered an early setback when Lutho Siphamla left the field with what appeared to be a hamstring problem.
Fortuin eventually broke the partnership, removing Steenkamp for 41, but Frylinck continued to take the attack on. He survived an early chance after being dropped off debutant Duan Jansen, before eventually falling for 60 from 38 balls.
That wicket changed the innings.
South Africa’s spinners dragged Namibia back, with Prenelan Subrayen particularly effective as the hosts slipped from 133 for three to 138 for six. Subrayen finished with three wickets, while Fortuin took two, and Jansen added two late in the innings.
Namibia nevertheless reached 163 for nine, leaving South Africa with a demanding chase. It quickly became more difficult than it needed to be.
Jordan Hermann and Lhuan- dre Pretorius were both dismissed cheaply, leaving the Proteas 39 for three after seven overs. Brevis then took responsibility for the chase, attacking whenever an opportunity presented itself.
Even after taking a blow from a bouncer, he refused to retreat into his shell.
The 23 year old reached his half century and continued to give South Africa hope, finding the boundary regularly as he rebuilt the innings with support from Duan Jansen. But Namibia kept finding ways to apply pressure.
Brevis eventually fell for 75 from 50 deliveries, caught at short third man off Ruben Trumpelmann with two overs remaining. By then the required rate had become too steep, and Namibia closed out the match with South Africa finishing on 145 for nine.
Brevis accepted responsibility for his own contribution to the loss, acknowledging that his dismissal in the 18th over effectively ended South Africa’s hopes of chasing down Namibia’s 163/9.
He believed there were many areas where the Proteas could improve. “I think it’s hard to pinpoint. I think there’s lots of moments,” Brevis said after the match. “Fielding is a big example. You can save runs in the field, catches are important. Bowling, you can look at where it could be a bit better, reduce a bit of runs.”
Trumpelmann was central to the Namibia victory, taking three for 24, while JJ Smit also claimed three wickets.
For the Proteas, there will be plenty to consider. Their bowlers recovered well after Namibia’s aggressive start, but the chase never settled after the early wickets.
Brevis provided the innings South Africa needed. What they could not provide was enough support around him. For Namibia, it was another memorable night against a side they have now beaten twice in T20 internationals.
And once again, it was the hosts who handled the pressure better when the match was there to be won.
The Proteas will get a chance to make improvements today as they take on Zimbabwe at the same ground. A loss would be devastating and affect the confidence of the young players. A win could set them on their way to another successful tournament.
Scores:
Namibia 163/9 – Jan Frylick 60 (38), Louren Steenkamp 42 (29); Prenelan Subrayen 3/32, Bjorn Fortuin 2/17.
South Africa 145/9 – Dewald Brevis 75 (50), Duan Jansen 25 (17); Reben Trumpelmann 3/24, JJ Smit 3/31.