South Africa hit CWC27 trail with sweep against Namibia

South Africa wrapped up the series against Namibia with a comprehensive nine-wicket victory in the third and final match at the Namibia Cricket Ground, completing a 3-0 sweep in the first-ever bilateral ODI series between the two teams.

Put in to bat, Namibia struggled to find fluency against a disciplined South African attack and were bowled out for 156.

Stand-in skipper Bjorn Fortuin was the pick of the Proteas bowlers, returning outstanding figures of 4/33 from his full quota of ten overs to leave the hosts short of a competitive total. Kwena Maphaka (2/18) and Nqabayomzi Peter (2/39) picked a brace of wickets each as well.

In reply, South Africa were rarely troubled in the chase. Jordan Hermann led from the front with a fluent 59-ball 77, while Connor Esterhuizen provided steady support with an unbeaten, run-a-ball 68.

The pair combined to guide their side home with more than 28 overs to spare, sealing victory inside 21.3 overs.

The result rounds off a dominant series for the touring side, who won each of the three matches to complete a whitewash in Namibia's first-ever bilateral 50-over series against a full-member nation.

Hermann and Esterhuizen were the standout batters across the series for South Africa, with Hermann being adjudged the Player of the Series for his 247 runs in three matches. Namibia’s Ruben Trumpelmann finished as the leading wicket-taker in the series with six, while Duan Jansen followed closely with five scalps.

For Namibia, the series, though ending winless, offered invaluable exposure at the highest level as both nations continued their preparations to co-host the 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup.

Namibia v South Africa ODI Series:

First ODI: South Africa beat Namibia by 99 runs (DLS Method)

Second ODI: South Africa beat Namibia by 157 runs

Third ODI: South Africa beat Namibia by 9 wickets