An explosive batting performance helped the Proteas defeat Namibia in Windhoek on Friday to reach the T20I tri-series final.

Needing a win, the hosts won the toss and elected to bowl first.

However, a massive 156-run partnership between Connor Esterhuizen and Lhuan-dre Pretorius set the tone for South Africa.

How did South Africa’s batting innings go?

Heading into the game, South Africa led the standings on four points, with Zimbabwe trailing on net run rate only.

Knowing only a win would matter, Namibia made one change, with all-rounder Jan Loftie-Eaton replaced by batsman Malan Kruger.

The Proteas made two changes to their squad, according to ESPN Cricinfo: Duan Jansen and Prenelan Subrayen were replaced by Nqobani Mokoena and Andile Simelane.

Eagles captain Gerhard Erasmus won the toss and elected to bowl first, but the decision backfired.

South Africa did the damage with their opening partnership, sitting on 127/0 at the halfway mark of the innings.

At one end, Connor Esterhuizen struck the Namibian bowling attack all around the park.

He was eventually bowled by spinner Jan Balt, having scored 88 runs from 40 balls.

At the other end, Lhuan-dre Pretorius scored a masterful 101 from just 53 balls.

Erasmus eventually got the last laugh, bowling Pretorius with two balls left to play.

Tournament top player Dewald Brevis fell for just three runs as Balt claimed his second wicket.

Namibia’s top wicket-taker, Ruben Trumpelmann, also got in on the action.

He dismissed Rubin Hermann for 26, thanks in part to a wonderful diving catch by wicketkeeper Zane Green.

Despite a resurgence from Namibia, the Proteas managed to keep their foot on the gas.

South Africa ended on 228/4, putting scoreboard pressure on the hosts.

What happened in Namibia’s turn at the crease?

Louren Steenkamp and Jan Frylinck made a flying start for the Eagles with a 119-run partnership.

Their stand took Namibia to 100 runs in just 51 balls, sticking near the required run rate.

Andile Simelane eventually got the breakthrough, with Tony de Zorzi making an excellent catch on the boundary to dismiss Frylinck.

Steenkamp, courting his half-century, was then joined by Erasmus.

However, the run rate began slipping away from the hosts, needing 100 runs from 48 balls.

Another twist came in the 16th over when Steenkamp, on 61 runs from 44 balls, retired hurt.

JJ Smit then joined his captain at the crease, with the run rate now above 16 an over.

His wicket came a short while later, having contributed only 9 runs.

Namibia was by no means counted out.

With 24 needed from the last over, the hosts and visitors took it to the wire.

Mokoena kept it tidy, with Trumpelmann and Erasmus unable to score the remaining 11 runs.

What’s next for the Proteas in the tri-series?

The series final will take place in Namibia on 6 September (Sunday) at 14:00.

South Africa and Zimbabwe are expected to name their respective teams tomorrow (Saturday).

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