Lhuan-dre Pretorius scored maiden T20I century. [Source - Cricket Namibia]South Africa finally broke their Namibia curse with a thrilling last-over victory in the sixth T20I of the Namibia T20I tri-series 2026. Lhuan-dre Pretorius scored a brilliant century, before South Africa held their nerve in a closely fought contest and secured a memorable win against the hosts.Namibia had won their last two meetings against South Africa including one in this Tri-series, but the Proteas finally ended that run in a thrilling contest at Windhoek. Namibia, once again pushed South Africa to the limit until the final over, before South Africa held their nerve to seal a 11-run win. Lhuan-dre Pretorius’ Maiden T20I Century Powers South Africa to Mammoth 228After being put into bat, South Africa made full use of excellent batting conditions in Windhoek. The Proteas posted a mammoth 228 for 4 wickets, with their openers setting the platform for a dominant batting display against Namibia.Lhuan-dre Pretorius led the charge with his maiden T20I century. The opener reached the milestone in 52 balls, smashing five boundaries and eight sixes to punish Namibia’s bowlers and put South Africa firmly in control.Pretorius found an excellent partner in fellow opener Connor Esterhuizen, who himself scored a brilliant 40-ball 88, with the duo adding a massive 156-run opening stand. Namibia struggled with the ball throughout, with Jan Balt the standout bowler, finishing with 2/31 from four overs.Also Read: BCCI To Announce New India ODI Series For 2027 World Cup CheckNamibia Openers’ Massive Start Gave South Africa Another Death ScareChasing 229, Namibia got off to a flying start as openers Louren Steenkamp and Jan Frylinck took the attack apart. The hosts raced to 67 without any loss during the powerplay, immediately putting South Africa under pressure.Frylinck led Namibia’s aggressive start, attacking the bowlers from the start and bringing up his half-century in just 28 balls. Steenkamp provided excellent support as the opening pair continued to dominate South Africa’s bowlers.The duo carried Namibia to 110 without loss at the halfway stage inside 10 overs, keeping Namibia in the massive chase. With South Africa struggling to find breakthroughs, another late twist looked possible as Namibia threatened to chase down the mammoth target.South Africa Hold Their Nerve to Finally Beat NamibiaWith Namibia’s openers flying in the chase, South Africa desperately needed a breakthrough. Andile Simelane returned after conceding 18 in his first over and immediately delivered, dismissing the dangerous Jan Frylinck for 72 off just 36 balls.South Africa finally managed to slow Namibia’s scoring, but Steenkamp responded with a counterattack and completed his half-century. Captain Gerhard Erasmus had a struggling start, while Steenkamp kept Namibia’s hopes alive.Steenkamp’s innings ended after he retired hurt following a blow to his forearm, leaving Namibia needing 62 from four overs. However, they left too much for the death, and excellent final overs from Kwena Maphaka and Nqobani Mokoena sealed South Africa’s win and killed Namibia's chances to make it to the Tri-series final.Also Read: Jacob Bethell, Phil Salt Ruled Out In England Squad For Sri Lanka Series
