South Africa held off a spirited Namibian fightback to book their place in Sunday’s tri-series final against Zimbabwe.

After being sent in to bat, the Proteas posted a formidable 228/4 in their allotted 20 overs, with Potchefstroom-born Lhuan-dré Pretorius and Connor Esterhuizen doing most of the damage with the willow.

Pretorius produced the standout performance, smashing his maiden T20I century from just 53 balls. His 101 included five fours and eight sixes as he laid the foundation for South Africa’s imposing total.

Lhuan-dré Pretorius - Cricinfo

It was another big contribution from the youngster, who had come agonisingly close to a century in the Proteas’ previous match against Zimbabwe, when he was dismissed for 94.

Pretorius was superbly supported by wicketkeeper-batter Esterhuizen, who continued his impressive form with a blistering 88 from just 40 deliveries. He struck six fours and eight sixes at a remarkable strike rate of 220.

The pair put on 156 for the opening wicket, firmly putting South Africa in the driving seat before Namibia’s bowlers managed to pull things back towards the end of the innings.

Pretorius was dismissed in the final over, while Esterhuizen’s entertaining knock came to an end in the 12th over.

Rubin Hermann chipped in with a valuable 26 off 21 balls, while Namibia’s bowlers, led by Jan Balt, managed to limit the damage in the closing stages. Balt finished with two wickets for 31 runs from his four overs.

Needing 229 for victory, Namibia came out swinging and immediately put the Proteas under pressure.

Jan Frylinck led the charge with a superb 72 off 36 balls, including six fours and five sixes, while Louren Steenkamp provided solid support with 61 off 44 deliveries.

Jordan Hermann - Cricinfo

The pair put together a formidable 119-run opening stand, giving the hosts a genuine sniff at what would have been a remarkable run chase.

Steenkamp was forced to retire hurt, but Gerhard Erasmus kept Namibia’s hopes alive with an unbeaten 30 off 26 balls.

With 38 runs required from the final three overs, the match was still firmly in the balance. However, South Africa held their nerve when it mattered most.

Jan Frylinck - Cricinfo

Nqobani Mokoena played a crucial role at the death, finishing with two wickets for 43 runs, while Andile Simelane accounted for the dangerous Frylinck earlier in the innings.

Ruben Trumpelmann briefly threatened to produce a dramatic finish, smashing 21 off just 10 balls. But Mokoena had the final say, dismissing him with the last delivery as Namibia finished on 217/3.

The victory gives South Africa their third win in four matches and sees them finish at the top of the standings. Namibia, despite their spirited chase, have been eliminated from contention for the final.

The Proteas will now turn their attention to Sunday’s showdown against Zimbabwe, with Pretorius deservedly named Player of the Match following his match-winning century.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport