The Proteas team secured its first-ever victory over Namibia in the ODI format, which took place in Windhoek on Wednesday. The visitors significantly outperformed the hosts in this historic first match between the South African teams.
The arriving players scored 348/6 before heavy rain interrupted Namibia's innings. When the players returned to the field, the situation became difficult for the hosts, and Namibia managed only 162/8, allowing Proteas to win by 99 runs according to DLS rules.
Key moments of the match according to IOL Sport
Zahir Adams highlighted five key moments of this confrontation:
Jordan Hermann provided Shukri Conrad with 150 reasons to pay attention to him. Proteas coach Shukri Conrad recently spoke about overcrowding in the top part of the ODI squad and that he would give everyone a 'fair chance' to make themselves known before next year's World Cup. The left-handed Warriors player came into the spotlight after his magnificent contribution of 150 runs off 126 balls (17 fours, 3 sixes) in his debut ODI. Hermann also joined his Proteas teammate Matthew Britske as the only batter to score 150 runs in his first One Day International.
Some satisfaction for Tony de Zorzi. During the T20I series, the left-handed WP Cobras player was going through a tough period watching young batting members score runs in matches against Zimbabwe and Namibia. However, Conrad values De Zorzi, especially in the longer white-ball format, and the stylish left-hander justified this trust by scoring 72 runs off 84 balls. Over the last year in ODIs, his average has reached 44.8.
Devald Brevis needs to work on himself more. After Brevis was dropped from the Proteas squad for the upcoming series against Australia, there was much concern. However, the 21-year-old player must demonstrate the ability to change pace and score centuries, rather than just playing a supporting role, as he did again on Wednesday, scoring another 33 runs off 28 balls.
Support for Kweyn Maphaka. The young left-arm fast bowler was not in top form in T20, but in ODIs Maphaka has more time to stabilize his lines and lengths, and this reflected in a significantly improved game. The 20-year-old player bowled quickly and earned a reward in the form of two wickets, finishing the match with figures of 2/32.
Prenealan Subreena's best career four-wicket haul. Proteas has many options for left-arm spinners, but they are quite weak in terms of off-spinners. Therefore, there was concern last season regarding Subreena's style of play. But after intensive rehabilitation, he passed ICC tests and looks like a much more confident bowler who will deliver excellent results with his 4/29.