South Africa ends Namibia jinx, sets up Tri-Nation series final against Zimbabwe

South Africa was 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. | Photo Credit: Proteas Men/X

South Africa’s Lhuan-dre Pretorius struck his maiden T20I ton with ​101 from 53 balls as the tourist broke ‌its Namibia jinx to win by ​11 runs in its Tri-Nation series ⁠clash in Windhoek on Friday and book a final place against Zimbabwe.

Namibia had won its previous ‌two T20 clashes with its neighbours, both against depleted South Africa teams, ‌but this time came unstuck as ‌the ⁠visitor posted 228 for four.

Namibia was ⁠in the contest for much of its innings but ran out of steam towards the back end ​as it reached ‌217 for three in its allotted 20 overs.

AS IT HAPPENED | NAM vs RSA Highlights

South Africa was 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.

It was 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.