Trumpelmann Earns Player of the Match for Stellar Performance

WINDHOEK: Ruben Trumpelmann’s impressive bowling, registering 3/28, along with Zane Green’s impactful late-order hitting, propelled Namibia to a memorable four-wicket victory against South Africa in their T20I match held at the Namibia Cricket Ground on Saturday.

In this historic first encounter between the two African nations, South Africa’s captain, Donovan Ferreira, chose to bat after winning the toss. However, this decision backfired as their batting lineup only managed to score 134/8 in their 20 overs.

The visiting team faced an early setback as Quinton de Kock, the wicketkeeper-batsman, had a disappointing return to international play, falling to Gerhard Erasmus after scoring just one run from four balls.

The Proteas faced further trouble during the powerplay when Trumpelmann dismissed Reeza Hendricks, who was caught at deep square leg, leaving them struggling at 25/2 in 4.2 overs.

Following these early losses, Rubin Hermann and Lhuan-dre Pretorius briefly steadied the innings with a 30-run partnership before both were dismissed in quick succession, leaving the Proteas in a difficult position at 64/4 in 10.2 overs.

Jason Smith then attempted to take control of South Africa’s batting effort with a measured innings, but Trumpelmann ended his resistance in the second-to-last over.

Smith was the highest scorer for the touring team, making 31 from 30 balls, including two boundaries.

Trumpelmann was the standout bowler for the home side, taking three wickets for just 28 runs in his four overs. Max Heingo took two wickets, while Erasmus, Ben Shikongo, and JJ Smit each claimed one.

In pursuit of a target of 135, the Namibian team secured the winning run on the final ball when Green hit Andile Simelane for a boundary with the scores level.

Green, the wicketkeeper-batsman, was Namibia’s top scorer with an unbeaten 30 off 23 balls, which included two fours and a six.

Erasmus (21), Malan Kruger (18), and Trumpelmann (11 not out) also made valuable contributions to Namibia’s chase. Trumpelmann was named Player of the Match for his excellent all-around performance.

For South Africa, Nandre Burger and Simelane each took two wickets, while Gerald Coetzee and Bjorn Fortuin each managed to secure one.