With the second-to-last match in this tri-series among us, it is going to be one full of energy and hope from both sides. As South Africa is coming off two straight wins against their bordering nation in Zimbabwe, this will be a great chance for them to prove that they rule the continent once again.
Despite South Africa’s very tough first loss to Namibia, things have gotten much easier, and the younger pieces they have continue developing into rising superstars. Even though there were several questions about them after their tragedies earlier on, things have only gone up for them, while they bank on making a deep run with captain Bjorn Fortuin leading the day.
Meanwhile, Namibia have found themselves in a whole different position after that first match, as they have now lost two straight and can’t quite find any consistency in their game. A unit that was once looking extremely sharp and looked like they were going to defend their home turf well, it no longer remains the main claim as they continue struggling.
One unit that really needs to get it together if they want to strive against the bigger nations; this will be a key testing point for them since they have seemed not to get to that next level. Leader Gerhard Erasmus is under immense pressure, as his only task is to give his side hope and confidence to beat the demolishers standing in their way.
South Africa: Heavily Loaded Unit Has Finally Shown They Can Do It Together
When looking at the Proteas batting lineup, it has become pretty clear that they are a well-rounded unit that can fire away from top to bottom. Led by opener Lhaun-Dre Pretorius, he is someone whose cruised into this role very well after a recent 80+ knock where he single-handedly won the match on his own.
Now, the real question becomes whether he can put this performance on once again and be that left-handed piece that matches well with the skill of Jordan Hermann. Seeing that Hermann is only still 4 matches in, it will be quite interesting to see what the future holds for a batter still trying to find his ground, while one-down is none other than the great Dewald Brevis.
Seeing that Brevis is nearing 1,000 runs in this format and continues displaying some great power-hitting abilities, there will be tons of trust in him to be the major force once again. At two-down, Tony De Zorzi will no longer be starting for this unit, so it will be interesting to see if they finally bring in Jason Smith or if Connor Esterhuzien plays early on.
As Esterhuzien has already shown immense potential with two half-centuries and a strong force, he will be expected to finally show up this series, while creating an amazing partnership with Rubin Hermann. Closing it out, Duan Jansen is someone down the order who will swing with conviction and help this team produce heavy runs.
Namibia: Batting Lineup Needs To Showcase All-Around Ability
On the Namibian side of things, it is quite important for them to show some type of batting ability in all facets, but it just still feels like this unit can’t get it together. Opener Jan Frylinck has continued to be a vital piece with 1,400+ runs and some amazing shots played on all parts of the ground, but he is going to need to score 50+ after not doing it in the previous couple matches.
On the other side, Loureen Steenkamp, almost 400 runs in under 20 matches, has continued with his blazing start and will now be a huge power-hitting threat for them from the right-end up top. When looking at one-down, it is none other than the great Gerhard Erasmus whose slowly turned the corner as a proper T20 player and keeps being Namibia’s all-time run-scorer with over 2,400+.
At two-down, it will be interesting to see if they go with Zane Green more ahead, or keep JJ Smit in his normal position. With the anticipation of keeping Smit in that two-down area and letting him smack the ball around the middle orders, it will become a big key for Zane Green to provide that same finishing ability right after him.
Knowing that 4-down will once again be Alexander Busing-Volshenck, with him coming prior to Smith’s power, this is someone who provided Namibia with three massive late-match half-centuries and should continue thriving as a true option. Finally, closing it out Ruben Trumpelmann is a more than decent option to make their total even higher.
South Africa: Bowling Group Makes A Huge Difference In Where They Are
Looking at the Proteas, it is clear that their bowling attack is a huge reason why they continue playing in dominating fashion every match and turn around how their batting does on an off day. Left-handed threat Duan Jansen will lead the side as he continues taking early wickets, and now his almost at 10. Someone who reminds people of his brother in every manner; they both tend to have a very similar release point and create extra bounce that makes it harder for batters to swing at.
On that side as well, Kwena Mahpka is a wonder to be seen, as he’s developed an amazing wicket-taking ability with 19 wickets in 20 matches so far, while only getting better when pressure is not on him.
On the right side, Nqaba Peter may come in once again as a veteran piece, while the young Eathan Bosch has already shown tons of insane potential at his young age. Someone whose already taken a couple wickets in his first two matches, he’s hoping for bigger things down the line and a way to develop amazing accuracy at every moment.
Spinner Bjorn Fortuin will continue to be a major piece on this unit as he’s already delivered 30 wickets for his nation and is looking to get to near 50 in hopes of finally getting his dream in playing for the main squad. Despite previous concerns around him, he has been more than fit in this series and hopes to make a huge impact again.
Namibia: Pacers and Spinners Will Make A Difference
On this Namibian side, it has become a clear story that these pace and spin options can actually do more than enough to push them back into matches. As we saw this exact situation in their previous match, things will lead off with Ruben Trumpelmann from the left-end as he continues being a key wicket-taker and someone who is getting closer to 80 total in this format.
With the young Jack Brassell coming in from the right end, he has quietly delivered some amazing fast balls and got several wickets in his own right. With that said and the fact that Max Heingo only keeps getting better, Namibia should use Gerhard Erasmus plus JJ Smit as key spin options.
Predictions
NAM Bat 1st: They will score 160 to 165 runs with 9 wickets lost
SA Bat 1st: They will score 170 to 175 runs with 4 wickets lost
NAM Bat 2nd: They will lose by 15 to 20 runs
SA Bat 2nd: They will win by 6 wickets
Final Prediction: South Africa to win
Key Players
Namibia
Gerhard Erasmus: Amazing captain with great instincts to bat and spin
JJ Smit: Top-class power hitter who is always important in bowling
Zane Green: Experienced wicket-keeper with element of leadership
Max Heingo: Rising bowler whose slowly turning into the most important pace piece
South Africa
Dewald Brevis: Top-class finisher who delivers in the clutch
Lhaun Dre-Pretorious: Powerful opener who can strike standing in one place
Duan Jansen: Rising star with pace ability just like his brother
Prenelan Subrayen: Veteran bowler who keeps producing key wickets
Also Read: Â NAM T20I Tri Series: South Africa Thrashes Zimbabwe