WINDHOEK: Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus lauded his team’s effort after a memorable win over South Africa in the opening match of the T20I tri-series at Namibia Cricket Ground.
The win was Namibia’s second against South Africa, having previously beaten them at the same ground last year.
Asked to bat first, Gerhard Erasmus led side posted 163-9 on the board in 20 overs, largely due to a solid opening foundation between Louren Steenkamp and Jan Frylinck. The latter top-scored with a 38-ball 60, studded with six fours and two sixes.
In reply, South Africa fell short and could only manage 145-9 in 20 overs despite Dewald Brevis’s knock. The right-hander struck a 75 off 50, smashing five sixes and four boundaries.
JJ Smit was named the player of the match for his three wickets.
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Speaking after the match, Gerhard Erasmus credited his team for an impressive display and said the victory demonstrated their growing consistency.
“This is very important, it shows we belong or that the last win was [not] a one-off. We showed we can be consistent and compete with the best,” he said.
“Batters did well in the powerplay, bowlers bought in to play. Credit to bowlers for holding their own as Brevis held it together for them. Everyone chipped in with their roles, makes the team tough to beat,” Erasmus added.
The skipper stressed that Namibia’s focus remained on reaching and winning the final.
“There’s still three games to go, aim is to get in to and win the final,” he concluded.
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