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The T20I tri-series between the South Africa National Cricket Team, the Zimbabwe National Cricket Team, and the Namibia National Cricket Team concluded on Sunday. The Proteas side won the series after defeating Zimbabwe in the final. South Africa will now face Namibia in a three-match ODI series; ahead of it, they have been struck by injuries. Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Andile Simelane have been ruled out.
South Africa introduced a second-string squad in the tri-series, and after losing the first match against Namibia, came back strong in the series, qualified for the final, and defeated the Chevrons in the final by 48 runs. They will now look to clinch the ODI series against the Eagles.
Lhuan-dre Pretorius ruled out
Ahead of the three-match series, star opener Lhuan-dre Pretorius, who was out of the series final due to a niggle has been confirmed with a right adductor muscle injury, and Andile Simelane is having a left abdominal muscle strain, as both cricketers have been ruled out of the forthcoming series. Lhuan’s blow for the Proteas will be a big one as he has been in good form.
The Proteas have replaced the two young players with two of their experienced campaigners. All-rounder Corbin Bosch and wicket-keeper top-order batter Matthew Breetzke have been called up as replacements. This will be a big boost for the side given their experience in the 50-over format. These two will surely bolster the squad more; they have been excellent in their department.
Lhuan-dre Pretorius recent form
Lhuan-dre Pretorius, the flamboyant opener, has been in brilliant form as he smashed a hundred in the T20I tri-series against the Eagles and created a record as he became the youngest-ever centurion in a full member team. He surpassed the record of Afghanistan batter Hazratullah Zazai, who was 20 years, 337 days old, and with the Southpaw scored a hundred at age 20 years, 161 days.
Andile Simelane featured in just one game in the tri-series against Namibia on September 4 and picked one wicket in the outing. Post then, he was unable to be selected in the final due to the side strain.
South Africa wins Tri-series
Coming to the final of the Tri-series, South Africa won the toss and opted to bat first. They were off to a flying start with openers Connor Esterhuizen and Jordan Hermann as they stitched 84 runs for the first wicket. The latter scored 53 off 29 deliveries before being dismissed. Some fiery knocks from Dewald Brevis and Rubin Hermann helped them pst post 2025/5.
The Chevrons had the worst start chasing 206 runs as they kept on losing wickets at regular intervals. Brad Evans was the only batter to score 56 runs as they were bowled out for 157 runs.
South Africa updated squad for ODI series against Namibia: Bjorn Fortuin (captain), Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Connor Esterhuizen, Rubin Hermann, Jordan Hermann, Jason Smith, Corbin Bosch, Prenelan Subrayen, Eathan Bosch, Duan Jansen, Kwena Maphaka, Nqobani Mokoena, Nqabayomzi Peter, Lutho Sipamla
